The post-apocalyptic chaos of Twisted Metal is roaring back to Peacock for a third season, but fans should buckle up for a significant behind-the-scenes shakeup. The streaming service has officially renewed the hit video game adaptation, but with one major change that could dramatically alter the show’s direction: David Reed, known for his work on The Boys and Supernatural, is taking over as showrunner from original creator Michael Jonathan Smith. This leadership transition comes as the series prepares to expand its explosive universe following a blockbuster second season that registered an impressive 993 million minutes viewed on Peacock.
The Big Showrunner Shakeup Explained
The most significant development in Twisted Metal’s Season 3 renewal is undoubtedly the change in leadership. Michael Jonathan Smith, who served as showrunner and executive producer for the first two seasons and was instrumental in bringing the chaotic world of Twisted Metal to life, has “concluded his involvement” with the series, according to Peacock’s official announcement. Smith’s departure marks the end of an era for the show, as he was not only the showrunner but also a co-creator who helped shape the series’ unique blend of high-octane action and dark humor.
Stepping into Smith’s formidable shoes is David Reed, a veteran television writer and producer with an impressive resume that includes work on some of television’s most acclaimed genre series. Reed’s background includes writing and executive producing duties on Amazon Prime’s The Boys, as well as significant contributions to Supernatural, The Magicians, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. This diverse experience suggests that Reed is well-equipped to handle Twisted Metal’s complex blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements.
Industry insiders view Reed’s appointment as a strategic move by Peacock and Sony Pictures Television to maintain the show’s momentum while potentially bringing fresh perspectives to the table. “David Reed’s track record with genre-bending series makes him an ideal choice to take Twisted Metal into its next chapter,” notes television analyst Sarah Mitchell. “His experience with The Boys, in particular, shows he can balance intense action with the kind of dark humor that has become Twisted Metal’s trademark.”
Season 2’s Record-Breaking Success Sets the Stage
The renewal comes as no surprise given Twisted Metal’s impressive performance metrics. Season 2 achieved remarkable success on Peacock, registering 993 million minutes viewed and becoming the platform’s “second highest-reaching original returning scripted season” in its history. These numbers demonstrate the show’s growing popularity and its ability to retain viewers across multiple seasons—a crucial factor in today’s competitive streaming landscape.
Season 2 built upon the foundation established in the first season, expanding the show’s universe and deepening its mythology. The season followed John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) as they entered the deadly Twisted Metal tournament hosted by the mysterious Calypso (Anthony Carrigan). The tournament arc introduced new characters, including the vigilante Dollface (Tiana Okoye), who was revealed to be John’s long-lost sister, and featured the return of fan-favorite characters like Sweet Tooth (voiced by Will Arnett, portrayed by Samoa Joe).
The season’s explosive finale set up numerous storylines for Season 3, including a brewing war between the Insiders and Outsiders, John’s personal vendetta against Calypso, and the fate of several characters whose endings were left ambiguous. This rich tapestry of unresolved plot threads provides Reed with plenty of material to work with as he takes the helm for Season 3.
What the Showrunner Change Means for Season 3?
The transition from Smith to Reed raises questions about how Season 3 might differ from its predecessors. While Reed has not yet spoken publicly about his vision for the series, his previous work offers some clues about the direction he might take.
Reed’s experience with The Boys suggests he’s comfortable with graphic content and social commentary wrapped in genre entertainment. This could mean Season 3 of Twisted Metal might delve deeper into the show’s post-apocalyptic social commentary while maintaining its signature blend of action and comedy. His work on Supernatural indicates an understanding of long-form storytelling and mythology building—essential skills for a show like Twisted Metal that continues to expand its universe.
However, fans shouldn’t expect a complete departure from what made the first two seasons successful. Reed will be working alongside established executive producers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who have been with the series since its inception. This continuity in the production team suggests that while Reed may bring his own creative vision, the core elements that fans love about Twisted Metal will remain intact.
“Showrunner changes can be concerning for fans, but in this case, it’s more about evolution than revolution,” explains entertainment journalist Marcus Chen. “David Reed is stepping into a well-established universe with a clear direction. His job is to build upon what’s already working while potentially adding new layers to the storytelling.”
Season 3 Predictions: What Fans Can Expect
Based on the Season 2 finale and various hints from the cast and crew, several storylines are likely to take center stage in Season 3:
The John vs. Calypso Showdown
The Season 2 finale ended with John Doe swearing vengeance against Calypso after being framed for mass murder. This personal vendetta is likely to drive much of Season 3’s narrative, potentially culminating in a final confrontation between the two characters. Given Calypso’s supernatural abilities and manipulative nature, this conflict could take many forms—from a direct physical confrontation to a psychological battle of wits.
The Insiders vs. Outsiders War
Calypso’s framing of John and Quiet has sparked a full-scale war between the Insiders and Outsiders. This conflict could expand in Season 3, potentially involving new factions and territories. The show may explore how this war affects the broader post-apocalyptic world beyond the locations we’ve seen so far.
Sweet Tooth’s Family Reunion
One of the most intriguing post-credits scenes from Season 2 showed Sweet Tooth being taken to meet his father, Charlie Kane. This storyline could explore Sweet Tooth’s backstory and potentially introduce new characters from the Twisted Metal game lore. Interestingly, the show has flipped the game’s mythology by making Charlie Kane Sweet Tooth’s father rather than his son, suggesting a fresh take on established characters.
The Fate of Axel and Other Characters
Season 2 left several characters’ fates ambiguous, including Axel (Michael James Shaw), who appeared to sacrifice himself but may have survived according to cryptic post-credits scenes. Season 3 will likely resolve these cliffhangers and potentially bring back characters fans thought were gone for good.
Calypso’s Backstory and Powers
Throughout the first two seasons, Calypso has remained an enigmatic figure with seemingly supernatural abilities. Season 3 may finally delve into his backstory, explaining the source of his powers and his motivations for hosting the deadly tournament. This exploration could add new dimensions to the show’s mythology and raise the stakes for all involved.
The Cast and Production Timeline
As of now, Peacock has not announced a premiere date for Season 3, nor have they confirmed which cast members will be returning. However, based on the Season 2 finale and the show’s established patterns, fans can expect to see:
- Anthony Mackie as John Doe
- Stephanie Beatriz as Quiet
- Anthony Carrigan as Calypso
- Will Arnett (voice) and Samoa Joe (body) as Sweet Tooth
- Tiana Okoye as Dollface/Minion
- Mike Mitchell as Stu
- Saylor Bell Curda as Mayhem
Production timelines for streaming series typically range from 12 to 18 months from renewal announcement to premiere, suggesting that Season 3 could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. However, this timeline could be affected by various factors, including the showrunner transition and any potential scheduling conflicts with the cast.
What This Means for the Twisted Metal Franchise?
The renewal of Twisted Metal for Season 3 is significant not just for the show itself, but for the broader Twisted Metal franchise. The television series has helped revitalize interest in the game franchise, which has been dormant since 2012’s Twisted Metal for PS3. While a recent live-service Twisted Metal game was reportedly canceled, the success of the TV show demonstrates that there’s still strong audience interest in the property.
This could potentially lead to new game developments or other expansions of the Twisted Metal universe. The show’s success also adds to the growing list of successful video game adaptations, following in the footsteps of The Last of Us, The Witcher, and Fallout.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
The news of Season 3’s renewal has been met with enthusiasm from fans, though many have expressed mixed feelings about Michael Jonathan Smith’s departure. On social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter, fans have shared their appreciation for Smith’s work while expressing optimism about David Reed’s appointment.
“Michael Jonathan Smith gave Twisted Metal so much heart and soul,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “I’m excited for Season 3, but gutted to see him go. Hopefully David Reed can maintain what made the show special while bringing his own vision to it.”
Industry analysts view the renewal as a positive sign for Peacock’s original programming strategy. “Twisted Metal has become one of Peacock’s flagship original series,” says media analyst Jennifer Wong. “Its renewal, coupled with the showrunner change, suggests that Peacock is committed to investing in quality genre content while being willing to make creative changes to keep the show fresh.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Twisted Metal
Twisted Metal’s return for Season 3 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the beloved post-apocalyptic series. While the change in showrunner from Michael Jonathan Smith to David Reed represents a significant shift, it also brings fresh creative energy to a show that has already proven its ability to entertain and engage audiences.
With Season 2’s record-breaking viewership numbers and a wealth of compelling storylines to explore, Season 3 has the potential to be the biggest and most ambitious season yet. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Twisted Metal games or discovered the series through the TV adaptation, there’s plenty to look forward to as John Doe, Quiet, and the rest of the crew prepare for their next high-octane adventure.
As David Reed takes the wheel, one thing is certain: the road ahead promises to be as chaotic, explosive, and entertaining as fans have come to expect from Twisted Metal. The show may have a new driver, but it’s still the same wild ride that has captivated audiences for two seasons—and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.