The highly anticipated second season of Peacock and Sony Pictures` streaming series, Twisted Metal, based on Sony`s popular video game franchise, is set to premiere this week, two years after its initial season. Following the events of Season 1, protagonists John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) confront fresh obstacles. This season prominently features a vehicular-combat tournament, a concept familiar to game enthusiasts, orchestrated by Calypso, portrayed by Anthony Carrigan.
During a visit to the Twisted Metal Season 2 set in Toronto, cast members Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, and other crew provided insights into the upcoming season. While many specifics are still under wraps, Mackie and Beatriz offered a glimpse into what fans can anticipate. Be advised, this article contains spoilers for Twisted Metal.
Season 2 finds John having successfully completed his mission of delivering Raven`s (Neve Campbell) package, a task that secures his citizenship within the protected, sanitized walls of New San Francisco. His days of hazardous missions and dirty work are now behind him, as he settles into urban safety.
`He`s interacting with ordinary citizens, wearing polo shirts, and even has access to a shower,` Mackie explained. `His life has drastically changed. Throughout the season, viewers will observe how this new reality impacts him and transforms his character.`
Mackie characterized John in Season 1 as a `man-child,` but in Season 2, he navigates the `structured complex` of New San Francisco. Teaser footage strongly suggests that John will become increasingly restless, yearning to return to his former, more chaotic life.
`That’s essentially John’s life now,` he stated. `He`s transitioned into this ordered environment, yet he still longs for the freedom and excitement of his past as `the milkman` in the vast open spaces. It`s about adapting to the new while still desiring the old ways.`
Mackie noted a personal connection to John, highlighting their shared trait of not taking themselves overly seriously.
`I’m a glass-half-full kind of guy… If you take yourself too seriously, stay away from me,` Mackie declared. `John is just like that. For him, every day is a fresh start, a blessing. There`s only one way to avoid aging, right?`
Stephanie Beatriz`s character, Quiet, endured significant trauma in Season 1, including witnessing her brother`s murder, which fueled her initial quest for revenge. However, her motivations evolved, transforming her into a vigilante akin to Robin Hood, dedicated to aiding the oppressed and challenging established authorities.
Audiences can expect this philanthropic drive to continue in Season 2, as Beatriz confirmed Quiet is `focused on` making a positive impact and assisting others, as far as possible within their apocalyptic world. Additionally, Quiet will be spending more time behind the wheel of her cherished vehicle, Roadkill, in the upcoming season.
`She has undergone significant personal and driving development. I believe her driving abilities, in particular, have evolved tremendously, which will be evident throughout the show,` Beatriz stated.
Despite Quiet`s pivotal role in John`s life and evolution during Season 1, their paths diverged by the season`s conclusion. However, it`s highly improbable they will remain separated, with indications suggesting an eventual, significant reunion between them.
Mackie further revealed that Season 2 will feature an increase in practical stunts, thanks to the expertise of stunt coordinator Logan Holladay, known for his work as Ryan Gosling`s stunt double in the stunt-focused film, Fall Guy.
`We minimize our use of CGI. Consequently, much of the action is practical, which, I believe, lends the show a genuinely cool and distinctive aesthetic. This approach creates a tangible feel that is often lost when extensive CGI is used, potentially making visuals appear artificial,` he emphasized.
Sweet Tooth, another beloved Twisted Metal character, returns, with voice work by comedian Will Arnett and physical portrayal by wrestler and actor Samoa Joe. Showrunner MJ Smith confirmed that Sweet Tooth will have an expanded role in Season 2, with Samoa Joe describing him as the `ultimate agent of chaos` for the upcoming season.
`He is a character who perpetually acts on his impulses, doing what he desires, precisely when he desires it,` Samoa Joe elaborated. `As the season progresses, new adversaries emerge in his life, and he finds himself acutely frustrated by his inability to eliminate them immediately.`
The rules of Calypso`s tournament prevent Sweet Tooth from indiscriminately killing, a restriction Samoa Joe described as `maddening` for the character, a stark contrast to his Season 1 behavior.
Samoa Joe humorously compared this frustration to `a child desperately craving a cookie from a jar.`
Regarding his interactions with Samoa Joe, Mackie admitted to being `deathly afraid of Joe,` partly due to Sweet Tooth`s often oiled-up appearance, which frequently results in messy encounters.
`We`re friends, we hang out, but I`m not sure he actually likes me, given what he does to me in real life…` Mackie comically shared. He elaborated on the challenge: `He`s always oiled up.` Mackie explained that wrestling with Samoa Joe often leaves him with `Sweet Tooth nipple` impressions and persistent baby oil smudges.
Concluding with humor, Mackie exclaimed, `It`s a disaster! What can you do, hit him? No, you run, right?` He then playfully likened their dynamic to `Pinky and the Brain,` unsure of which role he plays.
Twisted Metal Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Peacock on July 31.