Universal’s Twisters, a sequel to the classic 1996 film, carries a legacy of intense tornado action to the silver screen once more. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who is best known for his Oscar-nominated work on Minari, this continuation combines nostalgia with fresh faces like Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell.
A unique aspect of filming Twisters was its timing with real-life tornado season in Oklahoma. According to reports, the production overcame nature’s challenges by reimagining the storm-chasing experience with cutting-edge technology. The movie’s predecessor was famously shot in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in 1995, and residents vividly recall the strangeness and excitement it brought to their small town.
The original Twister earned its place as a significant hit for Warner Bros., ranking as the second-highest-grossing film of its release year. The sequel aims to capture that pulse-pounding excitement while honoring the iconic elements from the original, such as the advanced storm-chasing technology known as Dorothy.
Shooting Amidst Real Tornadoes
The filming of Twisters coincided with actual tornado season, which impacted production significantly. As chronicled by locals, this intense period of dust storms added authenticity and urgency to the scenes captured. While details on specific filming locations remain sparse, it’s clear that Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather played a crucial role in shaping the film’s atmosphere.
Nostalgia and Modern Technology
In addition to battling natural elements, Twisters embraces its lineage by featuring advanced storm-tracking gear alongside nods to beloved elements from the first movie. Images from the set reveal a mix of practical effects and CGI innovations designed to deliver a heightened sense of realism.
Director Lee Isaac Chung attributes his dedication to depicting tornados authentically to his childhood in Arkansas, mirroring how he approached creating Minari. As he stated: I took a lot from my own life because I wanted to be as personal as possible with the film.
The Cast’s Impact on Filming
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell lead this new adventure into tornado territory. Both actors have garnered attention for their previous works – Edgar-Jones from her roles in the Hulu horror film Fresh and miniseries Under the Banner of Heaven, and Powell from his role in Richard Linklater’s Hit Man. Their involvement brings a fresh dynamic to the disaster genre.
Picturing a Modern-Day Twister
The advance marketing for Twisters highlights both its dramatic flair and technical prestige, targeting premium formats such as IMAX for opening weekend viewings. With an estimated opening weekend range between $65M and $95M, it’s anticipated to outgross recent disaster films like Geostorm and The Hurricane Heist. This potential success could cement Daisy Edgar-Jones’ and Glen Powell’s status within Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.
Tornado Tales – Beyond the Set
Anecdotes from Ponca City offer intriguing glimpses into off-camera moments from the original film. For instance, Helen Hunt reportedly had an unexpected encounter involving local kids curious about her rented home during shooting—a small-town moment underscoring the unique intersections between Hollywood life and local expectations during production periods.
A Sequel Second to None?
Universal Pictures’ dedication to leveraging both nostalgia and innovation hints at why Twisters might resonate strongly with audiences today. The return to storm-chasing coupled with modern cinematographic advancements promises an exhilarating yet grounded viewing experience rooted deeply in its classic origins while boldly stepping forward.
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