Rev Up for Unhinged Vehicular Mayhem: Twisted Metal Show Embraces Games' Insane Tournament!

Summary

Setting itself apart from the Mortal Kombat reboot blunder, which left fans dismayed due to the absence of its anticipated tournament, the Twisted Metal show will fully embrace vehicular combat and the excitement of the competition.

The inclusion of the tournament in Twisted Metal is essential for satisfying fans and staying true to the game franchise, where competition and vehicular combat play crucial roles. The show will also delve deeper into the mythology of the universe.

Although the marketing has mainly highlighted its star-studded roster, Sweet Tooth actor Samoa Joe assures fans that the Twisted Metal show will prominently feature the iconic tournament from the games. Inspired by the PlayStation franchise of the same name, the show will be set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland and center around a milkman-turned-courier with amnesia. His mission is to deliver a cryptic package in exchange for a better life but soon finds himself facing various threats. Anthony Mackie takes the lead in the Twisted Metal cast, alongside Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, Neve Campbell, and Sweet Tooth actors Joe and Will Arnett.

Ahead of its Peacock debut, Screen Rant exclusively interviewed Samoa Joe to discuss the Sweet Tooth series. When discussing how the show is adapting its source material, Joe expressed enthusiasm for the expansion of the broader mythology. Additionally, he assured fans that the iconic tournament from the games will be featured in the show. Read on to discover Joe's explanation:

I believe the show is truly building out the mythology on a grander scale. In the games, the tournament was never clearly defined, lacking continuity between each iteration. Especially when we delve into Black and Sweet Tooth's own story, things become quite intricate. [Laughs] However, Michael, the creator, possesses an extraordinary talent for constructing an entire world based on this mythology and establishing a believable setting for the intense vehicular combat. I believe this is what fans should be most excited to witness.

Will Twisted Metal Avoid Mortal Kombat 2021's Biggest Mistake?

Editor's Note: The following interview took place prior to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, highlighting the importance of the contributions made by the writers and actors in WGA and SAG-AFTRA to the creation of the movie discussed here.

Until now, most of the Twisted Metal trailers have revolved around Mackie's fast-talking character, John Doe, as he cleverly escapes various dangers in the post-apocalyptic world, often on foot rather than in vehicles. However, the official trailer released in mid-July provided a deeper glimpse into the vehicular combat that Joe enthusiastically promotes. It briefly showcased what seemed to be the Twisted Metal tournament itself, although it remained unclear if any of the main characters would participate in the demolition derby-style battle.

Although Mackie's Doe and the rest of the star-studded lead cast may not appear in the Twisted Metal show, it has been confirmed that the tournament will be featured. This avoids the disappointment faced by fans of the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot, which chose not to include the actual tournament. Co-writer Greg Russo has hinted at a trilogy plan for Mortal Kombat 2, which would indeed include the tournament. In comparison, the Twisted Metal game franchise places even more emphasis on vehicular combat and the tournament, with Sweet Tooth being the most recognizable character for players. Therefore, it would be difficult to exclude the tournament without disappointing fans who are familiar with the games. Furthermore, as the games leave much of the competition's backstory a mystery, it would be intriguing if Joe's hint at further mythology-building leads to the show featuring the first-ever incarnation of the Twisted Metal universe.

Twisted Metal begins streaming on Peacock on July 27.