Twisted Metal -- Peacock's original series inspired by the popular video games of the same name -- broke viewership records for the NBC Universal-owned streamer when it debuted on the platform in 2023. Of all shows people could have binged, they picked the one with an ice cream truck-driving killer clown who loved to set his head on fire. It's like everyone suddenly had my particular taste in entertainment. I'm not mad about it.
Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz lead the series as John Doe and Quiet, two unlikely partners striving to survive in America's dystopian maw. The tag team duo of Samoa Joe and Will Arnett (who provides the voice) brings Sweet Tooth, the aforementioned evil clown, to life.
I've seen footage from season 2 (which will premiere its first three episodes on July 31), and I'm beyond stoked to tell you that everything is revved up: Explosive action, gory kill sequences and emotional stakes. And yes, there's car-crunching carnage aplenty.
I spoke with the cast and creator of the series over Zoom during the show's press day to get insight into these new episodes. So, without further ado, here's everything you need to know about Twisted Metal season 2.
Mike Mitchell and Samoa Joe return as Stu and Sweet Tooth in season 2 of Twisted Metal on Peacock. Peacock
That long-awaited car tournament is coming
Twisted Metal is finally going to fulfill the prophecy of its name. We're getting that demolition derby in season 2. In fact, it's one of the driving forces that fuels the overall storyline. The tournament is hosted by a mysterious man named Calypso, played by Anthony Carrigan, who announces that the winner will be granted a wish, no matter how big.
In a world divided by the less fortunate outsiders, who live in squalor outside the walled-in cities, and the privileged insiders, this prize draws out an assortment of competitors. Of the characters joining the race, fan excitement has been on overload regarding the inclusion of Axel, the driver whose arms are connected to two giant wheels. Yet, no one really knew who would play him. Even Mike Mitchell (who returns as Stu) and Samoa Joe revealed they texted at length about this mystery.
The season 2 trailer answered that question.
Michael James Shaw (who you may recognize as Papa Midnite in Constantine or Mercer in The Walking Dead) is the man bringing Axel to life. He has the physicality for the role, which is important considering he had to physically step into a giant rig and really move around the set in it.
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