On paper, “Twisted Metal” is a video game that doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense. The story follows a group of people brought together to battle to the death in suped-up cars for the chance to be given a Faustian deal with a higher power. Though it’s ridiculous and silly, the story was plenty to launch a successful (and fun as hell) Playstation video game. And now, Sony is hoping the studio can tweak the premise a bit and make it one hell of a fun TV series, as well.
According to Variety, Sony and PlayStation Productions are teaming up for a TV adaptation of the popular “Twisted Metal” video game series. The show, like the game, will feature battles between deadly vehicles (including the fan-favorite clown/ice cream truck driver, Sweet Tooth), but will focus on one outsider that is given the opportunity of a lifetime to drive a package across a wasteland. And as you might expect, the danger comes from the fact that he will have to do battle with various vehicles of destruction.
“Twisted Metal” will be written and produced by “Cobra Kai” veteran, Michael Jonathan Smith. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are joined by Will Arnett as executive producers on the series.
“’Twisted Metal’ is one of the most beloved franchises from PlayStation,” said Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions. “We are thrilled to have such a great team working on bringing this iconic game to life for the fans.”
Glenn Adilman, executive vice president of comedy development for Sony Pictures Television, added, “We love Twisted Metal in all its twisted insanity. Michael Jonathan Smith hit it out of the park with an action-packed, brilliantly funny adaptation and we are grateful for the support of Rhett, Paul, Will, and our friends at PlayStation.”
As is the case with all of these new video game-turned-film/TV adaptations, expectations are always low. There haven’t been a ton of solid adaptations of popular video game franchises over the years, though many have tried. However, with “Uncharted” starring Tom Holland and “Mortal Kombat” coming soon, in addition to “Borderlands” with Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Cate Blanchett and a TV series based on “The Last of Us” about to begin production, we might be seeing another wave of films/TV series based on video games try their best to break the curse.