Surprising Success of “Twisters” Sequel
Contrary to assumptions about the audience’s desire for fresh narratives, the summer box office witnessed a revival through nostalgia-driven sequels. The latest addition to this trend is “Twisters,” a modern take on the 1996 hit “Twister,” which follows the thrilling exploits of storm chasers in Oklahoma.
Despite a slow start to the summer season, with Memorial Day weekend seeing the lowest attendance in over four decades, Hollywood found redemption with “Twisters.” The sequel was projected to rake in approximately $80 million in the United States and Canada during its opening weekend, surpassing industry expectations.
With an estimated production budget of $155 million, excluding substantial marketing expenses, “Twisters” managed to captivate audiences across 4,151 theaters in North America under the distribution of Universal Pictures. The success of the sequel is reminiscent of its predecessor, which, adjusted for inflation, cost $182 million and initially grossed $83 million before ultimately crossing the billion-dollar mark worldwide.
The unexpected triumph of “Twisters” is likely to pave the way for another installment, potentially titled “Twisters: Even More Twisters,” given the strong turnout and positive reception in North America. The film’s favorable reviews, scarcity of natural disaster-themed movies in recent times, strategic casting choices, and the skillful direction by Lee Isaac Chung all contributed to its box office dominance.
Noteworthy is the film’s targeted approach towards the heartland audience, a demographic often overlooked by mainstream cinema. By incorporating tornado themes and a country music soundtrack, “Twisters” successfully resonated with viewers in middle America, with the highest-grossing theater located in Moore, Oklahoma.
