Box Office Triumph of ‘Twisters’: A Nostalgic Sequel’s Success

Nostalgia Reigns: The Box Office Success of “Twisters”

Contrary to theories suggesting that audiences crave original narratives, Hollywood has demonstrated a remarkable resurgence by leaning heavily into nostalgia with sequels. Following a disheartening start to the summer box office season — with Memorial Day weekend attendance hitting a 43-year low — the industry’s fortunes have shifted dramatically. The latest entry in this trend is “Twisters,” a loose sequel to the 1996 classic “Twister,” which captured the thrilling adventures of storm chasers in Oklahoma. Early estimates indicate that “Twisters” is poised to rake in approximately $80 million across the United States and Canada over the weekend, a figure that has turned heads in Hollywood.

Box office analysts had initially forecasted a more conservative opening of around $50 million, based on prerelease surveys tracking audience interest. The production budget for “Twisters” was estimated at $155 million, excluding tens of millions in marketing expenses. Universal Pictures, which distributed the film, secured its release across 4,151 theaters in North America. For context, the original “Twister” film had a production cost of approximately $182 million in today’s dollars and made a substantial $83 million upon its debut, eventually grossing nearly $1 billion globally.

Given the strong turnout this weekend, it wouldn’t be surprising if Universal begins exploring the possibility of a sequel, perhaps titled “Twisters: Even More Twisters.” The success of “Twisters” can be attributed to several factors, according to theater owners. Reviews have been predominantly positive, and the market has seen a scarcity of natural disaster films recently. The casting choices were astute, featuring Glen Powell, a rapidly rising star with broad appeal, alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones, who resonates particularly well with younger female audiences. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who previously captivated art house viewers with “Minari” in 2020, the film has established a solid footing.

Most significantly, “Twisters” has struck a chord with a heartland audience, tapping into themes of tornadoes and a country music soundtrack that resonate deeply with viewers often overlooked by Hollywood. This connection has yielded impressive results, as evidenced by the top-performing theater for “Twisters” being located in Moore, Oklahoma, a testament to the film’s appeal in the region.