When looking for a director to make a movie based on the hit video game series, Twisted Metal, few can hand you a resume proclaiming “extensive experience with flaming heads.” Brian Taylor is one of those people.

It’s being reported—on the very same day that a new Twisted Metal game hits shelves, no less—that Taylor and Sony Pictures have reached a preemptive seven-figure deal that will see him write and direct a live-action adaptation of the game.

Taylor gained said flaming head experience with Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, a sequel to the 2007 comic book movie he co-directed with Mark Neveldine that also gets released this week (coincidence, or impeccable timing?). He’ll need it if he’s to use the ultra-popular Twisted Metal character Sweet Tooth, the lovely gentleman seen above. And why would he not? Who’s a more intimidating figure than a hulking psychopathic clown with a head engulfed in flames?

Taylor has also written Jonah Hex and Pathology, as well as written and directed Crank, Crank: High Voltage, and Gamer, with Neveldine.

[Source: Deadline]