If you’re heading to your local theater to see “Twisters” and wondering, “Do I need to see the original ‘Twister’ first?
10 Ways ‘Twisters’ Pays Tribute to the 1996 Classic ‘Twister’
” Well, no. But revisiting the 1996 classic would enhance the experience. “Twisters,” directed by Lee Issac Chung, is a standalone story that honors Jan de Bont’s iconic film in numerous ways. Here’s how “Twisters” pays homage to the original “Twister” while standing on its own.
A Fresh Story with Familiar Roots
“Twisters” is not a direct sequel to “Twister,” but it carries the spirit of the original. Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a retired tornado chaser who returns to work with an old college friend, Javi, played by Anthony Ramos.
Recreating the Original’s Magic
Before starting production in Oklahoma, Daisy Edgar-Jones suggested that the cast and crew revisit the original movie. “We rented out the theater,” Chung told Variety. “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 set the tone for honoring the original while creating something new.
Technological Evolution: Dorothy V
The plot of 1996’s “Twister” revolved around Dorothy, a piece of technology designed to study tornadoes. In “Twisters,” trailers revealed the inclusion of Dorothy V, an upgraded version of the original tech.
Easter Eggs and Nods
The cast and crew, including VFX supervisor Ben Snow and production designer Patrick Sullivan, incorporated subtle references to the original film. For instance, Dorothy V has a decal for Muskogee State, the alma mater of Jo and Bill from the original.
A Modern “Wizard of Oz” Connection
Javi’s high-tech team, Storm Par, drives a fleet of Dodge vehicles named after characters from “The Wizard of Oz” — Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Wizard. This homage adds a layer of depth to Kate’s story, which Chung likens to Dorothy’s journey in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Iconic Vehicles
One of the most obvious homages is Tyler’s rust-red Dodge Ram truck, which echoes the pickup that Bill Paxton’s character drives in the original. While Bill’s truck didn’t shoot fireworks like Tyler’s, the red Dodge Ram 2500 is iconic, having survived twin water spouts, driving through a house, and carrying Dorothy into flight.
Personal Connection to Tornadoes
Chung’s personal experiences with tornadoes add authenticity to the film. When his family settled in Arkansas, a tornado rolled into the area late one night. They lived in a trailer on a farm and ran to his father’s Dodge pickup truck to escape. This real-life connection adds depth to the storm-chasing scenes in “Twisters.”
Honoring the Original
Chung emphasizes the importance of honoring the original while making the film his own. “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,” Chung explains.
Standalone Yet Connected
While “Twisters” is a standalone film, it’s filled with Easter eggs and references that fans of the original will enjoy. From the advanced storm-chasing technology to the subtle nods to Muskogee State, the film is rich with connections to “Twister.” The new characters, played by Edgar-Jones, Ramos, and Powell, bring fresh energy to the story while respecting the legacy of the original cast.
New Generation of Storm Chasers
“Twisters” introduces a new generation of storm chasers, each with their unique motivations and skills. Kate Cooper’s return to storm chasing is driven by a mix of nostalgia and a desire to push the boundaries of tornado research. Javi, with his next-gen tech, represents the evolution of storm-chasing technology.