The Twisters: A Modern Spin on Tornado Disaster Cinema
Twisters (2024) is a high-octane, standalone sequel to the iconic 1996 film Twister, directed by Lee Isaac Chung and written by Mark L. Smith, based on a story by Joseph Kosinski. Set in the heartland of America, the film introduces an entirely new cast and narrative. No characters from the original return, but the movie retains the thrilling energy and storm-chasing spirit that made the original a classic.
The story follows Kate Cooper, a weather researcher played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who is traumatized by a past tornado disaster and now lives a quiet life in New York. She’s drawn back to Oklahoma by her old friend Javi (played by Anthony Ramos), who invites her to test a cutting-edge weather tracking system. Meanwhile, the attention-grabbing storm chaser Tyler Owens—known as the "Tornado Wrangler" and portrayed by Glen Powell—enters the picture, offering thrills, arrogance, and viral fame. The story quickly unfolds into a battle not just against tornadoes but against ego, science, and fear.
The film features a diverse supporting cast including Brandon Perea, Kiernan Shipka, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, and Daryl McCormack. The group faces increasingly extreme weather phenomena, including fire tornadoes and multiple superstorms converging across the Midwest. These sequences are visually stunning, rendered with modern visual effects that elevate the film’s tension and realism.
Released in July 2024, Twisters became a major box office success, earning over $370 million globally against a production budget of around $155 million. Critics praised its intense storm sequences, fresh performances, and modern updates to the disaster genre. While some noted that the character arcs and dialogue sometimes took a backseat to spectacle, most agreed it captured the thrills that audiences seek in summer blockbusters.
One notable aspect of Twisters is its portrayal of storm-chasing culture in the social media age. The character of Tyler Owens, for instance, chases tornadoes not just for science, but for followers and fame. The film contrasts this with Kate’s more grounded and cautious scientific approach. This creates a compelling dynamic that adds layers of conflict and depth to the storyline.
The scientific accuracy of the film has drawn both praise and skepticism. Meteorologists applauded its accurate depiction of forecasting and team dynamics, though some of the more fantastical elements—like using experimental materials to influence tornado paths—stretch the limits of plausibility. Still, the core emotional and scientific themes resonate.
Following its strong box office performance and audience reception, a sequel to Twisters is already in development, with plans for production to begin in 2026. Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones are expected to return, and the story is said to expand the storm-chasing universe while maintaining a grounded, character-driven narrative. Possible directions include larger-scale storms, international weather threats, and deeper exploration of next-generation climate technology.
In summary, Twisters successfully reboots the tornado thriller for a modern audience. With compelling visuals, charismatic leads, and a timely look at science versus spectacle, it honors the legacy of its predecessor while carving a bold path forward for the franchise. A sequel seems inevitable—and eagerly awaited.
