The highly anticipated standalone sequel "Twisters" is set to storm theatres nationwide on July 19, with opening weekend box office predictions ranging between $45 to $60 million. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for his work on the Golden-Globe winning film "Minari" and "The Mandalorian," the film highlig
hts Oklahoma’s unique terrain and landscape, making them critical elements of the production.
"Twisters" marked a significant milestone as the very first Oklahoma City rebate project through the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office, led by Executive Director Jill Simpson.
“The Oklahoma City Film Incentive Program and OKC-based Prairie Surf Studios were instrumental in securing the production of “Twisters” here in Oklahoma,” according to Jill Simpson. We all worked closely with the Oklahoma Film + Music Office and NBC/Universal in recruiting and supporting the production throughout much of 2023. “Twisters” represents the perfect example of how state and local collaboration and incentives coupled with state-of-the-art studio facilities can net big results for an entire region. It was a fantastic experience.”
The project spent over $42 million in Oklahoma City in 2023, with a projected total economic impact of $258 million. More than half the shooting days took place in Oklahoma City, utilizing over 200 local vendors. The cast and crew were accommodated in 10 different OKC hotels, with filming locations including El Reno, Chickasha, Midwest City, Spencer, Pawhuska and several other cities around Oklahoma.
The film is projected to have created an estimated 2,000 jobs for locals and further provided talent development and inclusion workforce opportunities through a traineeship program that partnered with OKCCC, the Film Education Institute of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Film Training Academy and the Cherokee Nation. The distinctive 'Universal Below-The-Line' traineeship initiative offered newcomers, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, firsthand experience and mentorship on set.
"Twisters" features Glen Powell ("Top Gun: Maverick," "The Hitman"), Daisy Edgar-Jones ("Where the Crawdads Sing"), Anthony Ramos ("Hamilton") and Kiernan Shipka ("Mad Men"). The film is produced by Frank Marshall, known for his legendary contributions to "Jurassic Park," "Jurassic World," "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and the "Bourne Identity" series. Steven Spielberg serves as the executive producer, adding his creative vision to this anticipated film.
It's been 28 years since the original 'Twisters' captivated audiences, becoming the second highest-grossing film of the year and earning nearly $500 million worldwide during its theatrical run. According to Universal, the standalone sequel of this big screen thrill “promises to put audiences with direct contact with one of nature's most wondrous—and destructive—forces.”