1996 BILL PAXTON AND HELEN HUNT AS JO HARDING IN THE ACTION THRILLER "TWISTER"
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'Twisters': Release Date, Cast, Plot and Everything Else We Know About the Disaster Flick 'Sequel'

The lowdown on the 'new chapter' for the 1996 disaster flick.

The original "Twister" amazed audiences in 1996 and became arguably the most iconic disaster film of all time. The dizzying visuals left an indelible mark on cinema -- that mooing cow as it flies across a darkened sky is impossible to forget — and were brought to life using a revolutionary mix of CGI and practical effects. Now, through a collaborative effort between Universal Studios and Warner Bros., "Twister" is getting new life with the ominously pluralized "Twisters" (Oh, you liked one Twister? Here's several). The idea of a "Twister" sequel has been rumored for years, but now the time has finally arrived.

It's important to note that "Twisters" is not a true sequel, as earlier reporting hinted. The studio emphasizes that this is a "new chapter" — so don't expect a surprise cameo from Helen Hunt or CGI Bill Paxton (I know, we're disappointed, too).

Nevertheless, there's plenty to be excited about with "Twisters." It's got an all-star cast of A-list talent and a young, hungry, innovative director in Lee Isaac Chung, best known for Indie hit "Minari." While "Minari" is decidedly not an action movie, it is full of heart and personality, and it will be interesting to see what Chung can do with a massive budget at his disposal. Jan de Bont, the director of the original, is reserving his excitement, however.

"Don't forget that the main reason they're finding younger, inexperienced people is they want to be able to fully control them," he told Inverse. "They want them to have really good ADs, writers, producers, cinematographers so that they have all the help they can get. But ultimately, the studio is going to tell them what's in the movie. I know that firsthand."

It remains to be seen whether "Twisters" will follow in its predecessor's footsteps and completely rewrite the disaster movie genre, or become another soulless cash-grab that sweeps up viewers hungry for nostalgia (or, perhaps, too scared to try something new). As we barrel ever closer to the premiere date, here's everything we know so far about "Twisters."

When Does 'Twisters' Come Out?

Universal Pictures

Scheduled for release on July 19, 2024, "Twisters" marks the return of the iconic film nearly three decades after its original debut on May 10, 1996. The sequel finished filming in early 2023 in Los Angeles.

The concept of reviving "Twister" first emerged in June 2020 when Universal Pictures initiated plans for a reboot. During that period, Joseph Kosinski, renowned for directing "Top Gun: Maverick," was reportedly in discussions to helm the project, according to Variety. Fast forward over two years to October 2022, Deadline disclosed that Universal Pictures and Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, were actively engaging with directors to kickstart the sequel officially named "Twisters." Notably, Spielberg, a producer of the original film, played a pivotal role in advancing the sequel by reading and endorsing the script, ultimately securing the green light for the project. The studio ultimately landed Chung as director.

Who is Starring in 'Twisters'?

Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Daisy Edgar-Jones will play the protagonist, a storm chaser who is confined to a desk job after nearly dying in a tornado. The versatile actress has taken on a variety of roles. She gained prominence as Marianne in the TV series "Normal People," embodying a complex character navigating relationships and emotions. Additionally, her role as Anna in "War of the Worlds" showcased her talent in a sci-fi setting. In the film "Where the Crawdads Sing," she portrayed Kya's enigmatic nature with aplomb.

READ MORE: 'Twister' Was Filmed in a Small Oklahoma Town, Which Has a Museum Dedicated to the Film