Showrunner Shuffle: Twisted Metal Gets A Season 3, But Who's Driving The Carnage Now?
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Bloody hell, *Twisted Metal* Season 3 is a go, but the showrunner’s taking a magic portal out! While the series continues its unexpected success, David Reed (of *The Boys* fame) is now at the helm, promising a fresh dose of mayhem for John Doe and Sweet Tooth.
Right, so remember how we were all a bit sceptical, maybe even a little "what in the digital ether is *that*?" when the *Twisted Metal* TV series first got announced? Well, fair dinkum, it seems to have struck a chord. So much so, in fact, that it’s apparently getting a third season! You know that feeling when you cast a spell and it works a bit too well, but then suddenly a squirrel pops out wearing a tiny wizard hat and demands your lunch? That’s kinda where we are with this news, because while more vehicular mayhem is on the way, the driving force behind the chaos is changing.
Yep, word on the digital street is that *Twisted Metal* Season 3 has officially received the green light, meaning Anthony Mackie's post-apocalyptic delivery driver, John Doe, will be back for more wild rides and existential pondering. And honestly, mate, this isn't exactly a surprise if you've been paying attention to the viewership numbers. NBCUniversal is touting that the current 12-episode run has clocked in nearly a *billion* minutes viewed. Bloody hell, that's a lot of couch time! It's like someone cast a 'Scrying Orb of Binge-Watching' spell and it worked perfectly. For a franchise that's been in a gaming coma for a good 13 years – yeah, *thirteen years* since a proper video game entry – seeing it thrive on screen is quite the spectacle. It’s almost like a phoenix rising from the ashes of forgotten game discs, but instead of feathers, it’s got flamethrowers and a clown driving an ice cream truck.
But here's where my wizardly senses start tingling, and not in the good, "oh, I just found a rare crafting material" way. The update comes with a rather significant shake-up: co-creator and showrunner Michael Jonathan Smith won't be attached to Season 3 moving forward. Now, the official line is a bit... opaque. "It’s unclear why Smith is departing." Hmm. Unclear, eh? That's always a fun phrase, isn't it? It's like finding a mysterious, glowing portal in your backyard and the sign next to it just says "Entry/Exit." What went down there? Did he accidentally open a rift to the 'Realm of Unproduced Sequels'? Did Sweet Tooth demand creative control and threaten to turn his script into a very sticky, flammable snow cone? Was it the classic 'creative differences' or perhaps a 'scheduling conflict' that magically appeared? Whatever the reason, it's a big deal. The showrunner is often the architect of the vision, the chief wizard channeling the magic. Changing that mid-stream is like swapping out your dungeon master halfway through a critical quest. It *can* work, but it definitely changes the flavour of the adventure.
So, who's stepping into the hot seat, you ask? Well, they've brought in David Reed, a name you might recognise from his work as a writer on some rather excellent shows like *The Boys*, *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*, and *The Magicians*. Now, *that's* an interesting resume, isn't it? *The Boys* brings the dark, satirical edge, *Strange New Worlds* offers the expansive, character-driven narrative, and *The Magicians*... well, that's practically a manual for dealing with accidental magic and chaotic realities. Reed's under an overall deal with Sony Pictures Television, so this isn't just a casual fling; he's properly boarding the carnage-mobile as showrunner and executive producer. This could be brilliant, injecting a fresh perspective and perhaps even a new level of narrative ambition into the already delightfully unhinged *Twisted Metal* universe. Or it could be a bit like trying to teach a dragon to knit – interesting to watch, but potentially disastrous. I’m cautiously optimistic, mate. A new wizard often means new spells, and hopefully, fewer unexpected squirrel incursions.
Despite the showrunner shuffle, it's good to see some familiar, experienced hands still at the wheel. Co-creators Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (the masterminds behind *Deadpool*, no less!) are back as executive producers, along with Will Arnett (who voices Sweet Tooth and is also an EP), and Anthony Mackie himself, who's not just starring but also producing. This continuity behind the scenes, with PlayStation Productions' Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan, and Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hermen Hulst also attached, suggests that while the day-to-day magic might change, the core vision for adapting this beloved PlayStation franchise remains largely intact. It’s a testament to the enduring, albeit dormant, appeal of *Twisted Metal* that so many heavy hitters are still committed to bringing Sweet Tooth, Calypso, Agent Stone, and Mr. Grimm (brilliantly portrayed by Joe Seanoa/Will Arnett, Anthony Carrigan, Thomas Haden Church, and Richard de Klerk respectively) to a whole new generation.
As for what Season 3 will actually entail story-wise, or when we'll see it, that's all still locked behind a digital-arcane vault, much like the details of that cancelled *Twisted Metal* game we heard about earlier this year. But knowing that the series is continuing to bring that unique blend of cartoonish vehicle combat and surprisingly engaging character drama to the masses is, frankly, pretty cool. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to revive an old spellbook is to try casting its spells in a completely different dimension.
So, *Twisted Metal* Season 3 is a go! A massive win for a dormant IP, absolutely. But with Michael Jonathan Smith bowing out and David Reed stepping in, we're left with a potent mix of excitement and curiosity. Will Reed elevate the carnage to new, glorious heights, perhaps weaving in some of the sharp wit and character depth he’s known for? Or will it feel like a different flavour of post-apocalyptic ice cream? Only time, and a good few hours of binge-watching, will tell. For now, I'm just here, polishing my scrying orb, ready to see what unexpected enchantments (and explosions) this new chapter brings. Hopefully, no more rogue squirrels.
Tags: Twisted Metal, PlayStation Series, TV Adaptation, Gaming News, Showrunner Change
Original article: IGN South Africa