In 1996 “Speed” creator Jan De Bont achieved a real mega success with “Twister”. The disaster movie, which was equipped with grandiose CGI effects for the time, could gross about $ 500 million. Only Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day” was more successful that year. And even if the reviews were rather mixed at the time, “Twister” is now a real cult, which people love to watch again and again, and not just for nostalgic reasons.
After rumors of a sequel being produced under the name “Twisters” for quite some time, we now have confirmation: the sequel, which was delayed for over 25 years, will be filmed in spring 2023. Recently it was unclear whether the deadline could be met, as no director had yet been found. Dan Trachtenberg (“Prey”) and Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick”), who were originally considered, have already canceled.
Is that the director of “Twisters”?
However, a suitable filmmaker seems to have been found in the meantime – and he makes the project much more interesting. Lee Isaac Chung is said to be close to signing a contract. The director, who received two Academy Award nominations for his slow drama Minari, proves to be not only an interesting but also a risky choice. Because the man has never had anything to do with blockbuster cinema. But it’s all the more exciting to see what “Twisters” will ultimately look like once Chung is actually on board.
Thus, Chung’s possible involvement could also lead Mark L. Smith’s (“The Revanent”) screenplay to place a high value on family relationships. At the center of the story is the daughter of the characters Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton. “Twisters” also has to see itself in large part as a drama. Probably producer Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”) was also enthusiastic about the script.
It is said that Hope will bring Helen Hunt back to reprise her role as tornado chaser Jo from the first Twister. It is not yet known whether this project will succeed. Now it remains to be seen in the coming days whether the signing of Lee Issac Chung is really complete. After that, the project can really gain momentum and the choice of actors can begin.