Sony TV And PlayStation Productions are bringing the crazy AF video game to the small screen.
Fresh from his debut as the new Captain America in 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' series on Disney+, Anthony Mackie is gearing up for what should be another high-octane TV role. According to Deadline, a 'Twisted Metal' TV series is in its late stages of development and will be shopped to buyers very soon.
Mackie will star and executive produce the series which is headed up by Sony TV and PlayStation Productions. The action star will lead the series as John Doe. In the video games, of which the character appeared in two, he doesn't know who he is, hoping to one day be able to reveal his past.
If you're not familiar with the video game series, 'Twisted Metal' is basically a beat-em-up involving weaponised cars and high-speed chases. The first entry in the series was on the PlayStation and the PC in 1995 and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, the most recent of which was released in 2012 on the PlayStation 3.
Over the years, the demolition derby-type game has leaned more heavily into the horror/pyromaniac side of things, featuring a number of characters who have made it into the mainstream media, including Sweet Tooth/Needles Kane, Mr. Grimm and Dollface. All quite mad looking, and all with their own unique vehicles and special abilities.
We're imaging the 'Twisted Metal' TV series could, if handled in the right way, turn out to be as popular, if not more so, than the video games on which it is based; we're imagining something along the lines of 'Deadpool' meets 'Mad Max' - but more TV-friendly.
Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions, said of Anthony Mackie joining the project: "We’re thrilled to have Anthony Mackie on board. His ability to blend comedy, action and drama is perfect for the 'Twisted' world we’re creating."
'Cobra Kai' writer Michael Jonathan Smith will write and executive produce, with Will Arnett and Marc Forman's production company Electric Avenue also on board.
In other Anthony Mackie news, the star is gearing up for his first lead role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Continuing his Cap legacy, he will be involved in the fourth entry in the 'Captain America' superhero series at some point in the near future.
