The highly anticipated film “Twisters,” directed by Lee Issac Chung, has officially hit theaters, and fans of the original 1996 classic “Twister” are buzzing with excitement. While newcomers to the franchise may wonder if they need to watch the original film before diving into this sequel, the answer is no. However, revisiting the beloved classic can certainly enhance the viewing experience, as the new installment pays homage to its predecessor in numerous ways.
In “Twisters,” audiences are introduced to a fresh storyline centered around Kate Cooper, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones, a retired tornado chaser who is drawn back into the whirlwind of storm chasing alongside her former college friend, Javi, played by Anthony Ramos. Joining them is Glen Powell as Tyler Owens, a social media-savvy storm chaser known as the “Tornado Wrangler.” Unlike the original film, which featured iconic characters brought to life by Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton, “Twisters” introduces an entirely new cast, with no direct character connections to the original film.
Prior to filming, Daisy Edgar-Jones had the brilliant idea to gather the cast and crew for a special screening of the original “Twister.” This event took place just days before production commenced in Oklahoma, and it proved to be a memorable experience. Chung recalls, “We rented out the theater. It was a very loud theatrical experience where we were all laughing, people were shouting [their favorite lines], and afterwards, you heard people saying, ‘Jami Gertz got robbed. Poor Melissa!’” This shared experience helped to foster a sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew as they embarked on their journey to create a new chapter in the storm-chasing saga.
While the film does not feature any returning characters from the original, it does include several subtle nods to the beloved classic. The production team, which includes individuals who worked on both films, such as VFX supervisor Ben Snow and production designer Patrick Sullivan, incorporated various Easter eggs and references that fans of the original will appreciate. From wardrobe choices to ad-libbed lines, these thoughtful details serve as a tribute to the film that inspired this new venture.
Chung emphasizes the importance of honoring the original while also making the film his own. He states, “I was just trying to honor that first film and those elements that I love about it, but also to try to let this be something that is coming from me and the things that enliven me, and the choices that I believe in. The producers were all about that, telling me, ‘Make ‘Twisters’ as though this is your film and don’t worry too much about that original.’ I found that to be very liberating.” This creative freedom allowed Chung to infuse his unique vision into the film while still paying respect to the legacy of “Twister.”
One of the most notable callbacks to the original film is the return of “Dorothy,” the innovative piece of technology that was central to the plot of the first movie. In “Twisters,” this iconic element is cleverly woven into the narrative, along with additional references to the classic film, including nods to “The Wizard of Oz.” These connections serve to delight longtime fans while also introducing new audiences to the rich history of the franchise.
As “Twisters” continues to roll out in theaters, viewers can look forward to an exhilarating experience that combines thrilling storm-chasing sequences with heartfelt character development. The film captures the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that made the original “Twister” a beloved classic, while also carving out its own identity in the cinematic landscape.
With a fresh cast, innovative storytelling, and plenty of Easter eggs for fans to discover, “Twisters” is poised to make a significant impact at the box office and in the hearts of audiences everywhere. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the storm-chasing world, this film promises to deliver a thrilling ride that celebrates the legacy of its predecessor while forging its own path.
