Behind the Mask: How Sweet Tooth's Wrestling Background Elevated His Mind-Blowing Twisted Metal Show Performance
Samoa Joe's electrifying transition from the wrestling ring to the silver screen is unveiled in his captivating performance on the twisted metal show Witness Joe's remarkable live-action acting debut as he immerses himself in a thrilling new role, leaving audiences mesmerized by his undeniable talent
Summary
Samoa Joe leverages his extensive background in professional wrestling to inject personality into his enigmatic persona in Twisted Metal.Devotees of the gaming series are eagerly anticipating Joe's inaugural foray into live-action acting, portraying the captivating character of Sweet Tooth in the show.
With the success of wrestlers-turned-actors like Dwayne Johnson and John Cena, many are curious to see if Joe will follow in their footsteps and become a sensation in the acting industry.
As he prepares for his debut in live-action acting, Samoa Joe reveals how his background in professional wrestling has influenced his performance as Sweet Tooth in the Twisted Metal TV show. The Ring of Honor World Television Champion takes on the role of the iconic killer clown and face of the popular PlayStation gaming franchise. Sweet Tooth navigates his way through the intense tournament in a heavily armed ice cream truck.
Joining Joe in the cast of the Twisted Metal show are Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, Neve Campbell, and Will Arnett, who provides the voice for Sweet Tooth.
In preparation for the show's debut, Screen Rant had an exclusive conversation with Samoa Joe regarding Peacock's Twisted Metal. When asked about the influence of his professional wrestling background on his portrayal of Sweet Tooth, the actor acknowledged the physical nature of both professions by emphasizing the challenge of bringing personality to a character without a visible face and the need to "work beyond the mask." Take a look at Joe's insights below:
One of the significant aspects for me was adapting to working beyond the mask, a concept commonly observed in wrestling. Whether it be the traditional luchadores from the past or the contemporary highflyers of today, the ability to express emotions despite having a seemingly lifeless face was something I found quite effortless to accomplish, particularly with this particular character.
Editor's Note: Prior to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, this interview took place, and it is essential to recognize that the movie discussed would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of the writers and actors affiliated with WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
Can Samoa Joe Become The Next Wrestler-Turned-Actor Sensation?
Despite having established himself as a prominent figure in the wrestling industry for nearly two decades, Samoa Joe is now venturing into the realm of acting with his involvement in Twisted Metal. While he has previously lent his voice to iconic characters such as Juggernaut in Dota 2 and Dota Underlords, as well as King Shark in Telltale's Game of Thrones game and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Joe's portrayal of Sweet Tooth in Twisted Metal has garnered enthusiastic anticipation from dedicated fans of the gaming franchise.
With his acting career now spanning across two different mediums, the question arises as to whether Samoa Joe will become the next wrestler-turned-actor sensation to follow in the footsteps of Twisted Metal. Dwayne Johnson still remains one of the most prominent figures to successfully transition into acting, especially as he has become the face of multiple franchises, including Jungle Cruise and Jumanji. Other wrestlers who have achieved consistent success in recent years include John Cena, who was most recently featured in Fast X and Barbie, Sasha Banks, who made a comeback in Season 3 of The Mandalorian, and Dave Bautista, who recently wrapped up his tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Given Joe's current active involvement in wrestling, particularly with his recent win at the ROH World Television Championship, it remains uncertain whether he will further explore his acting options after Twisted Metal. Taking cues from Cena's occasional return to his wrestling roots, it is possible that Joe may allow himself occasional breaks to pursue acting opportunities. Additionally, if the show proves to be a hit, a potential second season of Twisted Metal could provide him with further opportunities to showcase his talents in both acting and wrestling.
Twisted Metal begins streaming on Peacock on July 27.
