This weekend, moviegoers flocked to theaters to witness the thrilling tornado action in the highly-anticipated film 'Twisters,' propelling it to a blockbuster opening. The standalone sequel to the 1996 hit exceeded expectations by raking in an impressive $80.5 million in ticket sales from 4,151 theaters across North America.
Surpassing initial analyst predictions by $30 million, 'Twisters' claimed the title of the biggest opening for a live-action movie this summer. Drawing parallels to last year's 'Oppenheimer,' the film's overperformance can be attributed to its brand recognition and widespread appeal.
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, 'Twisters' is a franchise installment that pays homage to the original film starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. Despite featuring a new cast of storm chasers and a fresh storyline, the movie has resonated with audiences globally, amassing an estimated total of $574.4 million in earnings.
With a production budget of around $200 million, the film's marketing campaign included a country music-heavy soundtrack that has garnered over 75 million streams. Notable tracks from artists like Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert have contributed to the movie's buzz and cultural impact.
Critics' reviews of the 2-hour thriller have been mixed but mostly positive, with audiences giving it an enthusiastic A- CinemaScore and high ratings on PostTrak. Actor Glen Powell's performance has been highlighted as a major draw for viewers, further boosting the film's appeal.
Despite its success, 'Twisters' has sparked online discussions regarding its handling of certain themes, such as climate change, and the absence of a pivotal kiss scene. These debates have generated buzz on social media, adding to the film's overall buzz and engagement.
As 'Twisters' gears up for its second weekend in theaters, it faces competition from the highly-anticipated 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' projected to make a significant impact at the box office. The outcome of this clash remains uncertain, but 'Twisters' strong opening performance sets the stage for a promising theatrical run.
Meanwhile, Universal's 'Despicable Me 4' continues to hold its ground as the second-highest grossing film in the country, adding $23.8 million in its third weekend and bringing its domestic total to $259.5 million.
As the box office landscape evolves, movie enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between 'Twisters' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' poised to shape the trajectory of summer blockbusters and redefine cinematic success.
