By Selena Romero
As "Twisters" continues its impressive box office run, grossing over $155 million domestically in its second week, the film is also drawing attention to Oklahoma’s scenic and versatile landscapes. The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) has seized this moment to release a "Twisters" Filming Map, highlighting the diverse locations across the state that were pivotal in bringing the film to life.
“Oklahoma City Film is excited about the opportunities in the growing film tourism market. We are thrilled that the state of Oklahoma is playing an active role in showcasing our ‘Twisters’ locations with its new map,” said Jill Simpson, executive director of the Oklahoma City Film & Creative Industries Office. “The popularity of the film gives us added opportunities when fans visit the sites they saw in the movie. It’s the icing on the cake, and we are all ready to welcome them.”
Directed by Oscar nominee Lee Isaac Chung ("Minari") and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones ("Where the Crawdads Sing"), Glen Powell ("Top Gun: Maverick"), and Anthony Ramos ("In the Heights"), "Twisters" is a contemporary chapter of the 1996 blockbuster "Twister." The film's principal photography began in Oklahoma City on May 8, 2023, and spanned 60 days, engaging communities statewide, including El Reno, Chickasha, Pawhuska and more.
“They say it's rare for lightning to strike in the same place twice, but 'Twisters' seems to be an exception,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. "We’re incredibly proud to have set the stage for the original 1996 film, and now, decades later, to have welcomed Universal Pictures back to Oklahoma for 'Twisters. We hope this map will be a valuable resource to those interested in learning more about the film’s production in Oklahoma and help drive further opportunities for impact and tourism to many of those who helped with the production and to whom we’re grateful for their participation."
From the vast plains to urban streets, Oklahoma’s varied landscapes played a starring role in "Twisters." The overpass at the intersection of State Highway 81 and State Highway 3 set the stage for the film’s gripping opening storm sequence. Combining on-location shooting with set construction at Oklahoma City’s Prairie Surf Studios, this scene captures the raw power and beauty of the state’s terrain.
Downtown Oklahoma City’s Park Avenue between Broadway and Robinson was transformed into New York City, showcasing the area’s adaptability. Local streets were adorned with taxi cabs and subway signs, with the Gilded Acorn and the nearby Corporate Tower also doubling as the NYC National Weather Service Center. This creative use of Oklahoma’s urban spaces highlights the ability to convincingly portray diverse locations.
The film’s introduction of Glen Powell’s character, Tyler Owens, takes place at a rural gas station, reflecting the authentic charm of Oklahoma’s countryside. This non-operational station provided the perfect backdrop for the tornado wranglers’ first appearance, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Burbank’s roadways, located 30 minutes west of Pawhuska, were the setting for thrilling storm-chasing sequences. Scenes of a tornado ripping apart a wind farm, later disrupted by fireworks, highlight the dynamic interplay between Oklahoma’s natural and man-made environments.
El Reno’s historic downtown became the site of one of the film’s most explosive tornado sequences. The production team transformed the area between Russell and Woodson Streets into a bustling farmer’s market, complete with a painted custom mural on the JKM Jewelry Gifts & Locksmith building. Digital effects added flying debris and a collapsing water tower, showcasing the town’s heritage and community spirit.
Further showcasing Oklahoma’s versatility, Brewer Field and the Colonial Motel in Oklahoma City were used for key scenes involving a dramatic rodeo arena sequence. The Colonial Motel, described by actor Glen Powell as the site of “one of the most incredible action sequences of all time,” provided a vivid backdrop for the film’s high-stakes drama.
The Gilded Acorn, a French patisserie located in the historic First National Center in Downtown Oklahoma City, was transformed into a Manhattan diner. This location, among others in the area, convincingly doubled for New York City, demonstrating Oklahoma’s capacity to stand in for various urban landscapes.
“‘Twisters’ continues to captivate audiences and inspire travel to Oklahoma from places all over the world,” said Shelley Zumwalt, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. “The significance of Oklahoma’s sites, cities, and landmarks in the movie can’t be overstated. I’m grateful to the Oklahoma Film + Music Office for their work on the new ‘Twisters’ filming map. As fans plan their trips to these iconic locations, I encourage them to support local tourism by visiting the businesses and communities featured on the big screen.”
This comprehensive map not only highlights the locations but also provides insights into the production’s positive impact on local businesses and communities, celebrating Oklahoma’s growing role in the film industry.
Visit okcfilmmusic.org to see the detailed Twisters locations map.