Twisted Metal’s Patty Guggenheim Talks Stepping Into the Wasteland as Raven

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In the thrilling kickoff of Peacock’s second season of Twisted Metal, I was left reeling as they twisted my expectations about the series! The Raven we thought controlled New San Francisco in Season 1, played by the talented Neve Campbell, turned out to be just one Raven among many. Apparently, the real Raven has a whole squad controlling different territories.

The new season introduces us to another Raven, portrayed by Patty Guggenheim, who’s rumored to be even more cunning, ruthless, and unhinged than the Raven we met in Season 1! This wild card is so dangerous that she’s joining the Twisted Metal tournament herself. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds!

In the second season, after the shocking events of the first finale, John and Quiet join a lethal car racing competition named Twisted Metal, organized by an enigmatic character called Calypso. As they navigate through hordes of menacing new adversaries and acquainted faces, such as the homicidal clown Sweet Tooth, John’s reunion with his long-lost sister, the avenger Dollface, adds more complexity to the storyline.

The team at ComicBook had an engaging conversation with Guggenheim about stepping into the new role, testing her acting boundaries, and much more.

In a hypothetical scenario, if you found yourself in the post-apocalyptic landscape depicted in Twisted Metal, which type of vehicle would you prefer to navigate through it?

Patty Guggenheim: A Hummer with a built-in hot tub, ideal for those evenings when you’d like to unwind and soothe your muscles by taking a dip in the rear hot tub.

Are you nervous about having enough gas to get anywhere?

That’s an excellent idea! Perhaps, I could install solar panels on top of it to make it electric. I might get a bit creative and sneaky, like James Bond, in crafting the solar panels so they serve a dual purpose. I hope you understand what I mean.

It’s a great suggestion! Maybe I could set up some solar power on it to make it run on electricity. I might even try to be resourceful and secretive, like 007, while designing the solar panels to serve multiple functions. Do you see what I’m getting at?

nother one:

That’s a sound idea! Maybe I could attach some solar panels up there to make it energy efficient. I might try to be innovative and covert, like Bond, when creating the solar panels so they can serve multiple purposes. Hopefully, you follow my reasoning.

How did it feel for you, being a dedicated admirer of Sweet Tooth, a video game enthusiast, and someone who loved the first season of this TV show, to step into a universe that not only resonated with your personal tastes but also boasts a passionate follower base?

The experience was incredibly exhilarating and captivating. I must admit, I was apprehensive given its grand scale, yet intrigued by its allure. Upon viewing the initial season, I couldn’t help but think, “This show is fantastic!” Therefore, it was an immense privilege to participate in a realm that was raw yet humorous, entertaining, and unapologetically playful. It didn’t shy away from serious undertones like music and violence, but managed to make it enjoyable. I found myself exclaiming, “This is amazing!” Consequently, stepping into this world felt almost surreal.

Given that you’ve shown such comedic versatility across various productions, in a series like this which includes special effects, gore, and action scenes, do you feel as if you have as much room to innovate or improvise with your co-stars as you typically do on other projects? Or do you believe that it might be somewhat more restricted due to the numerous components involved?

Occasionally, we managed to savor some extended scenes amidst the bustle, but due to our large cast, we had to move swiftly through most of it. Yet, the quality of the writing is exceptional, making it seem as though it was improvised at times. When the writing is this good, it feels effortless, light, and fun.

On certain days with overwhelming crowds and packed episodes, we had to prioritize the narrative flow, leaving little room for brief interludes like a two-minute side story. Instead, we needed to keep the plot moving swiftly, and in such circumstances, spontaneity was highly encouraged.

In the TV show, you play a unique character as Raven, since you’re not only Raven but also the leading Raven. This intrigued viewers. When preparing for your role, did you draw inspiration from Neve Campbell’s portrayal of Raven? Did you consider the video game version of Raven? And were you given full creative freedom to decide how you wanted to embody this character in the series?

I tackled everything, every bit of it. To be honest, I enjoy taking in as much as possible and then letting things unfold naturally. I finished the first season, and I adored Neve. At that moment, I thought, “Alright, we’re distinct individuals with separate lives.” But after chatting with [creator Michael Jonathan Smith] and learning that this character was inspired by The Raven from the game, which is unique in its own right, my perspective changed. If you’re familiar with her from the original source material, it’s clear that her storyline follows suit.

This paraphrase maintains the original meaning while using a more conversational tone and rephrasing some sentences for clarity and easier reading flow.

As a gaming enthusiast, this character is incredibly intense, shrouded in darkness, and carries an air of melancholy due to her troubled relationship with her parents. Her desire for revenge against them is chilling. Yet, there’s something intriguing about her that draws me in, like the allure of Hot Topic merchandise she adores.

Her collection of voodoo dolls and tarot cards resonates deeply with me; I too share a fascination for such mystical objects. I immersed myself in learning more about these artifacts, conducting numerous readings, and even kept my small raven obsidian crystal close during filming sessions, letting the character’s eerie charm seep into my performance. It was an oddly satisfying experience that allowed me to fully embrace this complex character.

During my investigation into Raven’s background, I came across a description labeling her as “the least mentally disturbed patient” residing in the Blackfield Asylum, or something to that effect.

While it’s true, it’s important to note that this observation might not be particularly meaningful. After all, those around her could likely be considered the most stable individuals among them, given she was the youngest and a woman who hadn’t yet had the opportunity to commit multiple acts of violence.

When portraying Raven with her villainous characteristics, which we haven’t seen from you in such a prominent way before, did you find that embodying the intimidating aspects of this character was more challenging than usual, or were the physical demands of the role, compared to others you’ve had, the greater challenge?

It might seem somewhat absurd, but I’ve often found myself portraying characters who are simply present, yet difficult due to their chaotic, untidy nature, and who ultimately win over audiences because of their innocuous nature.

In contrast to many people, I don’t feel a need for others to like me, nor do I care much about whether they do or not. For me, it’s probably typical for most people to not actively seek out conflict with others. However, it’s important to note that I don’t approach life with the intention of trying to hurt or undermine others either. Instead, I strive to find a balance where I can be comfortable in my own skin and coexist peacefully with those around me.

It’s clear that everyone adores the character of She-Hulk’s Madisynn, and I can’t help but wonder what this whirlwind feels like for you. You must be thrilled to see the enthusiastic fan response, to see your name in comic books, learn about the showrunner of Agatha All Along wanting you, understand the fervor of fans, yet also realize that you may not have much influence over whether we get to see Madisynn return. So, could you share with us what this unique experience is like for you?

Experiencing this has been somewhat similar to… Let me tell you, it’s been incredibly thrilling! It’s been absolutely amazing. And as strange as it may sound, it felt like a door was unlocked – a door that leads to an entire universe of creative fan works, inspired by just one peculiar character. The excitement and enthusiasm surrounding it have been overwhelming, honestly. I can hardly believe the sheer creativity and passion people have for this. It’s truly mind-blowing!

After that, you’ll simply need to let fate decide, whether it be the Norse gods like Thor or the Marvel universe gods, if they can somehow bring it back in a manner that fits logically into our world.

“Perhaps due to some taking long absences of around 17 years from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it might be that we’ll both rejoin it in the year 2042.”

I can’t wait. I’ll put it on my calendar.

New episodes of Twisted Metal debut on Peacock on Thursdays.

Here’s my spin on it:

“I’ve had this chat trimmed down for convenience and to ensure we stay on topic. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter or Instagram if you want more! That’s me, the gamer, right here!

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2025-08-09 01:46