Anthony Mackie was deeply impressed by the acting talent of AEW’s Samoa Joe, the 46-year-old actor revealed this week. Mackie and Joe both star in Peacock’s Twisted Metal series, which recently wrapped filming for its second season.
In a conversation with Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Mackie reflected on the unexpected talent Joe brought to the set.
“I was blown away by this dude from the first moment he stepped on set… He was acting his ass off.”
Samoa Joe portrays the physical embodiment of Twisted Metal’s iconic Sweet Tooth, while Will Arnett (BoJack Horseman, LEGO Batman) provides the character’s voice. Despite not speaking, Joe vividly conveyed Sweet Tooth’s twisted psyche through his physical performance.
“It was literally like he was doing Vaudeville-type shtick… I don’t think a veteran actor could have done what he did.”
Twisted Metal is based on the popular vehicular combat game series of the same name. The story follows John Doe (Mackie), who must traverse the post-apocalyptic United States to deliver a mysterious package. The cast also includes Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), with Neve Campbell (Scream) appearing in a recurring role.
In AEW, Samoa Joe was written off television in July after an attack by The Learning Tree, allowing him time to film Twisted Metal’s second season. Now that filming has concluded, speculation is mounting about Joe’s return to AEW. Fans may soon see the former World Champion back in the ring—and back on the mic—sooner than expected.
