Twisted Metal’s Axel rolls back onto screens with a fierce new chapter in Season 2. Sony Pictures Television just released a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic character was built and brought to life, and it’s nothing short of incredible.
The Man Behind the Machine: Michael James Shaw
Michael James Shaw steps into Axel’s massive rig and immediately feels its weight literally. “He weighs 2600 pounds,” the team says. “There are 3,500 pieces, 1,500 in the chain alone, plus over 4,500 fasteners holding it together.” Shaw shares that embodying Axel meant transforming a two-dimensional video game character into a living, breathing human. “It’s not just a badass in the wheels. There’s a human being behind there,” Shaw reflects.
Shaw explains how embodying Axel means more than stunt work. “It’s been a unique challenge getting into the mind of this character. He may seem evil, but he’s hiding his emotions.” His preparation involved honing both physical discipline and mindset. “It made me really focus, being shirtless for most of the season isn’t just a look; it’s a way of honing discipline physically and mentally.”
Building the Rig: A Massive Engineering Feat
The rig that lets Shaw portray Axel is a masterpiece of mechanics. Designer Carrie Meyer and the special effects team built a special rig that recreates the character’s hulking presence. “It’s huge and heavy, and designed with pivoting swings that mimic how Axel would move as a part machine, part man,” a member of the team explains.
The rig even has self-leveling chains and guns that keep it from scraping the ground as it tips and moves. “We built it so you can shoot through the chain links and see into the mechanics of the rig. It looks amazing on camera,” the production team adds.
The months-long process was intense. “We had just eight weeks to build it from detailed art department drawings. Every piece; bolts, rivets, chains—was thoughtfully crafted.”
The Actor’s Connection: More Than a Character
Shaw talks about his creative freedom playing Axel. “I like to mix mechanics and man. It’s unique to play someone who’s literally part machine.” He jokes about how the rig looks: “I want to take Axel around LA, rolling on the 405 in traffic jams… I’d probably get arrested for blowing up cars, but it’d be worth it.”
The actor’s physical preparation also involved body discipline. “I do a lot of yoga and bodybuilding. It’s about being a physical being, which helps me live this character’s power.”
Why Axel Matters
Axel is more than a vehicle or a weapon. “The fun part is peeling back layers to reveal who Axel really is behind all the madness,” Shaw says. The complex design and performance aim to show Axel as a character who’s “part machine, part human, struggling with himself.”
Twisted Metal’s Season 2 promises an explosive mix of action, heart, and character depth with Axel front and center, alive beyond the PlayStation screen.