Lee Isaac Chung's latest film, Twisters, has made a significant impact at the box office, surpassing initial expectations with a domestic opening of $74.6 million. This impressive debut is poised to make Twisters the highest-grossing natural disaster film in terms of domestic opening, unadjusted for inflation. The film's success solidifies the star power of Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, who lead the ensemble cast. Director Chung, known for his critically acclaimed work on Minari, has also achieved a notable victory with Twisters.
Twisters has garnered a diverse audience, appealing equally to both male and female viewers across different age groups. The positive reception is reflected in the film's A- CinemaScore, indicating strong word-of-mouth potential. Set 28 years after the groundbreaking film Twister, Twisters pays homage to its predecessor by combining visual effects with practical effects. The original Twister, starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, was a box office sensation, grossing nearly half a billion dollars globally.
Filmed in Oklahoma, the heart of Tornado Alley, Twisters has resonated strongly with audiences in regions affected by tornadoes. The film's success in these areas underscores its authentic portrayal of the dangerous weather phenomenon. Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment collaborated on the production, with Universal handling domestic distribution and Warner Bros. managing international release.
Prior to its release, industry projections estimated Twisters to open between $40 million and $50 million domestically. However, the film exceeded expectations by debuting at over $70 million. With a production cost of $155 million before marketing expenses, Twisters is positioned to be a lucrative venture for the studios involved.
As Twisters dominates the box office, it provides a welcome boost to the industry, especially considering the challenging comparisons to the previous year's releases. The film's success has helped mitigate the impact of tough competition from other titles, ensuring a strong performance for the weekend. Twisters' international rollout further enhances its commercial prospects, promising continued success in the global market.
