Is 'Twisters' a sequel or a reboot? How Glen Powell's film connects to 90s classic

In 'Twisters', Glen Powell plays Tyler Owens, a charismatic and daring storm chaser who thrives on the adrenaline rush of tracking tornadoes
PUBLISHED JUL 18, 2024
'Twisters' introduces a new roster of storm chasers alongside a noteworthy supporting cast
 (@universalpictures/@melindasuegordon)
'Twisters' introduces a new roster of storm chasers alongside a noteworthy supporting cast (@universalpictures/@melindasuegordon)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 1996 movie 'Twister,' featuring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, quickly became a sensation for its thrilling depiction of storm chasing.

Now, 28 years later, the legacy lives on with 'Twisters,' starring Glen Powell in a prominent role. The 1996 film 'Twister' revolves around the intense and dangerous world of storm chasing.

The story centers on Dr Jo Harding, played by Hunt, a university professor leading her team of students in the preparation and testing of Dorothy, an innovative device designed to collect data from within tornadoes.

This device was conceived by Jo's estranged husband, Bill Harding, portrayed by Paxton.

On the other hand, 'Twisters' revolves around Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), haunted by a traumatic tornado encounter. Her friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos), asks her to test a revolutionary new tracking system.

During this endeavor, she encounters Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a charismatic yet reckless social media star renowned for documenting his storm-chasing escapades.

As 'Twisters' prepares to hit theaters in the United States on Friday, July 19, 2024, under Universal Pictures, fans are eagerly debating whether the film is a reboot or a sequel. Let's dive in and discuss!

Does 'Twisters' serve as a sequel or a reboot to the 1996 film?

Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Cooper and Glen Powell as Tyler Owens in a still from 'Twisters' (@universalpictures)
Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Cooper and Glen Powell as Tyler Owens in a still from 'Twisters' (@universalpictures)

In 'Twisters,' an American disaster film directed by Lee Isaac Chung and written by Mark L Smith, Kate tests new storm-tracking technology and finds herself caught in a deadly superstorm.

Teaming up with Tyler, she races to evade the storm and rescue as many innocent bystanders as possible.

The movie introduces a new roster of storm chasers alongside a noteworthy supporting cast.

The supporting characters include Lilly (Sasha Lane), the drone pilot, Boone (Brandon Perea) videographer, Ben (Harry Hadon-Paton), the British reporter, Scott (David Corenswet), Javi's business associate, and Dani (Katy O'Brian), the mechanic.

'Twisters' distinguishes itself by not rebooting the plot of 'Twister'. Without any of the original characters from 'Twister' appearing, the film stands alone as a sequel.

Continuing the legacy of storm chasing, 'Twisters' introduces a fresh cast of characters confronting new challenges and storms.

Therefore, it is neither a remake nor a reboot, but rather a continuation of the saga with new characters and a new narrative.

How does 'Twisters' connect to 'Twister'?

Glen Powell as Tyler Owens in a still from 'Twisters' (@universalpictures)
Glen Powell as Tyler Owens in a still from 'Twisters' (@universalpictures)

Despite featuring new characters, 'Twisters' was filmed in the same general location as the 1996 film 'Twister'.

Both films were shot in Oklahoma. The sequel pays homage to the late star of 'Twister,' Bill Paxton, by featuring a cameo from his son, James Paxton.

During an interview on the Inside Total Film podcast, film director Chung clarified how 'Twisters' links to the original movie. The director affirmed that the sequel is set within the same universe as its predecessor.

He reportedly said, "I see it as a new science experiment. It’s the same world. We don’t have the same characters but it’s a new experiment."

How to stream 'Twisters'?

Glen Powell as Tyler Owens and Sasha Lane as Lilly in a still from 'Twisters' (Universalpictures/@melindasuegordon)
Glen Powell as Tyler Owens and Sasha Lane as Lilly in a still from 'Twisters' (@universalpictures/@melindasuegordon)

'Twisters' is scheduled to premiere in the United States on Friday, July 19, 2024, by Universal Pictures.

Get your ticket and experience the thrilling adventure firsthand as you join the storm chasers in their quest against nature's fury.

Universal Pictures has not yet announced a streaming date for 'Twisters,' keeping fans eager for news on when they can enjoy the movie from the comfort of their homes.

'Twisters' trailer



 

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