Get ready, storm chasers. The 1996 film Twister might be getting a sequel. Written by Michael Crichton, the author of the classic dinosaur cloning book Jurassic Park, the first movie follows Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) and Dr. Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) as they chase a tornado to try and release weather sensors they designed into it. Along the way, they rekindle their strained relationship and race the clock to beat their nemesis Dr. Jonas Miller, another storm chaser (Cary Elwes), to the tornado of a lifetime.

Twister was well-received, earning two Academy Award nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound, positive critic reviews, and nearly $500 million at the box office. It has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, including inspiring a ride at Universal Studios Orlando that closed in 2015 and a Sega Pinball game.

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But is the news true? Is a second Twister coming? Take cover as we discuss what we know so far and if a sequel (and another tornado) is actually on the horizon.

Twister 2 Won’t Be a Reboot

     Warner Bros.

This isn’t to be confused for a reboot. A reboot was announced in 2020, with Joseph Kosinski, director of Top Gun: Maverick, in discussions to be attached to the project. In an exclusive article from Variety the same year, it was confirmed that the script had not been written and there were no plot details to reveal. With it announced as a reboot, it’s likely the next generation of storm chasers will be trying to use a new device to take measurements of a tornado or build on the sensors shown in the first.

Helen Hunt Pitched a Twister Sequel and Was Told No

Helen Hunt, who was in the original cast, pitched her own sequel to the film, but an unknown studio was not on board. In a podcast episode, the actress confirmed that she had tried to speak to some studio executives around the same time the reboot was announced. Unfortunately, the studio wasn’t interested, and it was difficult to even snag a meeting to discuss the idea.

She was planning to write the script alongside Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, The Little Mermaid) and Rafael Casal (Blindspotting). The goal was to have a multiracial cast of storm chasers following in the footsteps of the original cast. Hunt was even interested in making a cameo appearance in the film, reprising her role, now a “tired” and “haggard” woman killed by a tornado in the opening scene. The studio they managed to meet with turned down the idea.

This idea for a sequel, including how to retire Hunt’s character, might’ve been the way to continue the franchise. Other popular films have continued their sagas with more diverse casts with mixed success. The involvement of an original cast member

Twisters Has a Script and Is Looking For a Director

In October 2022, a sequel was announced after no news about the reboot had surfaced. The project had been turned into a “legacy sequel” called Twisters from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Some plot details have been revealed, though much has been kept under wraps.

The plan is for the movie to focus on the daughter of the Dr. Harding duo, now following in her parents’ footsteps as a storm chaser. With no additional details, we can only speculate on what the plot could entail, including what other characters may be like. Though it will feature their child, there is no confirmation on whether Hunt will return to the film, though it sounds like Universal has hope that the actress will make an appearance. Paxton passed away in 2017, meaning his character won’t be in Twisters, but the legacy will live on in his daughter.

Deadline exclusively reported details regarding the production and crew behind the project. While Kosinski was in talks to direct the reboot originally, he is committed to a Brad Pitt-led project, so the studio is on the prowl for a director. Deadline reports that the shortlist includes Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane), Travis Knight (Missing Link), and the duo Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai (Free Solo). Trachtenberg has denied any involvement with the project, though.

The script was written by Mark L. Smith, the mind behind The Revenant. Apparently, Steven Spielberg read it and loved it, which caused the studio to get into gear and start production sooner. The studio is hoping to start filming in spring 2023.

There has also been no confirmation of any cast members attached to Twisters. Until a director is on board, it’s unlikely we will hear about any casting, but with the plan to start filming in the coming months, announcements should be made soon.

While we wait to hear more about the sequel and if it will make it into production, check out the best natural disasters movies you can watch.