Twisters, the exciting sequel to the 1996 hit Twister, has been a significant box-office success, earning over $100 million in less than a week.
The movie, starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, blends a thrilling romance with the chaos of powerful tornadoes.
Where Was Twisters Filmed?
The film’s stunning realism is thanks to its on-location filming across Oklahoma, known for its severe weather and wide-open spaces.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s downtown was turned into a busy Manhattan for several scenes in Twisters. Streets like Park Avenue were closed for filming, and local businesses were temporarily transformed into New York City storefronts.
Corporate Tower in Oklahoma City was used as the National Weather Service Center, where Kate Cooper (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones) works. The Gilded Acorn, a popular local café, appears in the film as a cozy NYC coffee shop where key parts of the story unfold.
Chickasha, Oklahoma
The small city of Chickasha, Oklahoma, is a key location in Twisters. It represents the fictional town of Crystal Springs, one of the movie’s first areas to be hit by a tornado. The production team worked closely with local residents to transform the town. They even bought and demolished three houses to show the destructive power of a tornado. Chickasha’s realistic setting adds to the film’s intense storm scenes.
El Reno, Oklahoma
El Reno, a town with real-life experience of tornadoes, also plays a major role in the movie. In Twisters, El Reno keeps its real name and serves as the backdrop for one of the film’s most dramatic tornado scenes. The town’s farmers and residents helped make the scenes more authentic, appearing as extras while filming a farmers’ market scene.
Midwest City and Howe
Midwest City, another location in Oklahoma, is featured in a rodeo scene where Kate and Tyler (Glen Powell) take a break from chasing tornadoes. The small town of Howe, with a population of just 631, was chosen to represent Kate’s childhood home. The old Centennial-style house and nearby barn in Howe perfectly capture the rural charm of her upbringing, adding depth to her character.
Filming Amidst Real Storms
The filmmakers faced real-life weather challenges while shooting in Tornado Alley. Director Lee Isaac Chung shared that while the stormy skies added realism, they also caused frequent delays. The cast and crew often had to seek shelter from actual storms, making the filming experience as intense as the on-screen action.
When Did the Filming of Twisters Take Place?
Filming for Twisters began in Oklahoma in May 2023 and took 60 days to complete. Most of the filming was done at various locations across the state. However, production was temporarily halted in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. After the strike ended, filming resumed in November and wrapped up in December 2023.
Official Trailer
Conclusion
Twisters brings nature’s wild power and unpredictability to life, thanks to its authentic filming locations in Oklahoma. From the small towns of Chickasha and Howe to the busy streets of Oklahoma City, the movie’s settings provide a realistic and immersive backdrop for this exciting sequel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where was Twisters filmed?
A: “Twisters” was primarily filmed in various locations across Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, Chickasha, Okarche, El Reno, Spencer, and Cashion. These locations were chosen for their dynamic landscapes, which perfectly suited the intense storm-chasing sequences in the movie.
Q: When did the filming of Twisters take place?
A: The filming of “Twisters” began in May 2023, with principal photography taking place at Prairie Surf Studios for 40 days and in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area for 50 days. Production was briefly halted in July 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but resumed in November 2023, finishing in December 2023.
Q: How does the 2024 “Twisters” distinguish itself from the original 1996 “Twister”?
A: The 2024 “Twisters” sets itself apart from the original 1996 “Twister” by incorporating modern techniques for tornado hunting and scientific analysis, showcasing advancements in both special effects and storytelling. While the original was a pioneer in its genre, “Twisters” brings a fresh perspective with new characters and plotlines, focusing on storm chasers testing an experimental weather alert system, making it a contemporary update for today’s audience.