Filming for the third installment of Peacock's Twisted Metal wrapped in November 2025. While lead actor Matthew Mackie remains a fixture on set, a new showrunner will guide the series' final chapter.

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David Reed replaces Michael Jonathan Smith as showrunner

David Reed, a veteran of the hit series The Boys, is stepping into the role of showrunner for the third season of Peacock's Twisted Metal. This transition marks a significant departure from the creative leadership of Michael Jonathan Smith, who originally developed the adaptation of the Sony Interactive Entertainment video game franchise alongside Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. according to the report, Smith will not return to oversee this final installment.

This leadership change suggests a potential shift in the series' creative direction. By bringing in Reed, who has extensive experience with high-concept,irreverent storytelling, Peacock may be looking to lean further into the chaotic and subversive energy found in the original game franchise.

Matthew Mackie promises a season that goes "off the Richter"

Matthew Mackie, who stars as John Doe, confirmed that the production cycle for the new seaon ran from June through November 2025. Mackie , who also serves as an executive producer, expressed strong enthusiasm for the third installment and noted that the team successfully reunited with returning stars Anthony Carrigan and Stephanie Beatriz.

The upcomming season is expected to feature an increased level of intensity, with Mackie describing the new material as going "off the Richter." The actor also highlighted the physical and comedic chemistry between his character and Stephanie Beatriz's character, Quiet, describing their on-screen interaction as a constant game of "rock-paper-scissors" to determine who gets punched in the face next... Mackie further noted that the production process was characterized by a unique sense of "stupidity" and a "ridiculous nature" that defines the series.

A 2027 debut based on the two-year release pattern

A 2027 premiere on Peacock is the most likely timeline for fans based on the series' established release cadence. While Peacock has not yet disclosed an official date, the show's history provides a clear pattern: the first season debuted in 2023 and the second followed in 2025.

As the report indicates, this two-year gap between seasons has become the standard production cycle for the franchise. if this trend holds, viewers can expect the third season to arrive sometime in 2027, allowing the studio time to finalize post-production for the high-octane series.

The missing details regarding Michael Jonathan Smith's departure

The specific reasons behind Michael Jonathan Smith's departure from the showrunner position remain unconfirmed. While the report confirms that David Reed is taking over the duties, it does not clarify if the change was due to creative differences, scheduling conflicts, or other internal factors within the production.

Furthermore, it remains to be seen how Reed's direction will impact the narrative evolution that Mackie has praised. the transition from the original development team to a new showrunner represents a critical moment for the future of the Sony-based franchise as it moves toward its conclusion.