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Season 2 of Twisted Metal shifts the spotlight to Calypso’s tournament, where one wish is promised to whoever comes out on top. The new episodes pick up where the first season left off, bringing back familiar faces like Sweet Tooth, but unfortunately, not everyone has made a comeback. Preacher, for example, doesn’t show up this time, which stood out to viewers who expected his story to continue.
Michael Jonathan Smith shared that holding back some of these characters was a planned move, not an accident. While he hasn’t given away what comes next, it sounds like their absence is part of something larger. The way the season is built leaves space for those stories to come back into focus later on.
The decision to limit which characters return aligns with a shift in narrative focus. Season 2 emphasizes the structure of the tournament itself. While it builds on previously introduced elements, it also sets aside certain figures due to off-screen challenges. The main story remains centered on Calypso’s competition, but it still leaves room for future expansion.
Reasons behind the absences
During a set visit reported by ScreenRant's Brennan Klein, Michael Jonathan Smith addressed the absence of multiple characters from the original cast. He pointed to production limitations rather than creative intent.
That decision appears rooted in practical constraints. Managing a large cast and coordinating availability can affect which characters are featured. Smith did not name all the characters originally planned to return, but he confirmed that not everyone could be included. The absence of Preacher, in particular, stands out given his relevance to John Doe's earlier journey.
The Twisted Metal production team had to navigate these realities without compromising the season’s structure. As a result, certain characters were left out to allow the story to proceed within its production limits.
Narrative implications in Twisted Metal Season 2
At the end of Season 1, the groundwork for Calypso’s tournament was clearly laid out. It was implied that several characters John Doe met along the way would return to participate. Sweet Tooth is among those confirmed for season 2. Others, such as Preacher, were strongly suggested as possible competitors, but they do not appear.
Although this changes some expectations, the direction of the second season remains consistent with the story's broader goals. The focus stays on the tournament and the characters selected to compete. With fewer returning figures, the narrative may be more concentrated, which can support clearer character arcs and allow more time for development.
Choosing a smaller roster of active characters also helps maintain balance. It becomes easier to structure scenes, build tension, and explore motivations when the cast is more focused. In that sense, the omission of certain names allows the show to avoid overextending its reach.
Axel’s arrival and changes from the games
Season 2 introduces Axel, one of the most recognizable drivers from the Twisted Metal franchise. In the games, Axel is known for driving a massive machine with two towering wheels, his body trapped between them. The series takes a different direction. Instead of sticking to that exact image, the show reshapes his background with something that feels more connected to the world already in motion.
Michael Jonathan Smith said Axel wasn’t added just to match the old look. The focus is on what he’s been through. He’s part of the story because of what matters to him and what he’s lost. His role fits into the tournament and connects with the people already involved. The show brings in things like pain and loyalty through him, but without trying to copy the exact version from the games.
This creative liberty also reflects a broader pattern in Twisted Metal. While the series honors the spirit of the source material, it reshapes characters to fit the tone and pacing of serialized storytelling. Axel’s arrival is part of that evolution. His presence deepens the field of competitors and adds another layer of unpredictability to Calypso’s challenge.
Behind the gaps: production limits and long-term planning
Some characters from the first season are not part of the current episodes, but that does not mean their stories have been finished. Michael Jonathan Smith shared that there is already something planned for them, though he prefers not to reveal the specifics.
"There’s an idea that I’m not gonna spoil… but there is something that I’m saving for next season for sure, God willing."
His comment suggests a future that still includes these characters, depending on how the series progresses.
According to Smith, the decision to hold back certain figures had more to do with logistics than story direction.
“There were some characters from season 1 that I really wanted to bring back, but because of scheduling and because of how big our cast was, we ended up shifting it around a little bit.”
Managing a large ensemble cast presented challenges, especially when trying to align availability during production.
Characters like Preacher were left out not by narrative choice, but by what could realistically be filmed during the current phase. The team adjusted the season’s structure to keep the pace intact. Nothing was removed at random. The way the story has been handled indicates a broader plan, allowing room for these absences to be temporary and purposeful. If Twisted Metal continues, some of these familiar faces may still return at the right moment
Weekly releases continue
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New episodes of Twisted Metal are released every Thursday on Peacock. The show keeps a steady pace, following what was set up in the first season. Now, the story turns to Calypso’s tournament, bringing new tension and conflict.
Some characters from before are not part of this chapter. That choice does not close the door on them. The way the season is built allows space to bring people back later. Nothing has been announced yet about a third season. Still, if it happens, it could be the moment when some of those familiar names return.
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