Continuing the tradition of video game to live-action adaptations these days, Peacock has just handed a series order to Twisted Metal, a comedic half-hour live-action adaptation of the popular video game, from Sony Pictures TV, Playstation Productions and Universal Television.
Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) will star and executive produces the project, which is written and executive produced by Cobra Kai writer Michael Jonathan Smith, who will serve as showrunner.
Based on the classic PlayStation game series, Twisted Metal is a high-octane action comedy, based on an original take by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland) about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. With the help of a trigger-happy car thief, he’ll face savage marauders driving vehicles of destruction and other dangers of the open road, including a deranged clown who drives an all too familiar ice cream truck.
Will Arnett and Marc Forman, who secured the rights to the material and helped put the adaptation together, will also executive produce via their Electric Avenue production company.
“Twisted Metal has been a global phenomenon for more than 25 years but it was the creative vision for this live-action adaptation, led by Michael Jonathan Smith, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, that blew us away. Also Anthony Mackie starring made it undeniable! This adrenalin-infused comedy series is in expert hands with our partners at Sony Pictures Television, Playstation Productions and Universal Television, and will be the perfect addition to Peacock as we continue to look for uniquely entertaining programs.”
said Lisa Katz, president scripted content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming.