Lee Isaac Chung’s “Twisters” Sequel Breaks Box Office Records
Lee Isaac Chung’s highly anticipated disaster film sequel, “Twisters,” has taken the box office by storm, surpassing expectations with a record-breaking opening weekend. The film stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos, and is expected to gross an impressive $74.6 million in the U.S. in its first few days, making it the largest opening weekend ever for a disaster movie.
Tracking services initially predicted a more modest opening weekend gross between $40 and $50 million, but “Twisters” exceeded those expectations by grossing over $30 million on Friday alone. This unexpected success has been a pleasant surprise for Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures, who invested over $155 million in the film’s production costs before marketing expenses.
The strong performance of “Twisters” is a promising sign for the film industry, which has been slowly recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Box office revenues in the second quarter of this year were down over 25% compared to 2023, but the success of “Twisters” suggests a potential turnaround for the summer movie season.
Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his acclaimed film “Minari” in 2020, has taken a different creative direction with “Twisters” but maintains his storytelling prowess. The South Korean immigrant family drama was a critical success, earning six Academy Award nominations, while “Twisters” showcases his versatility and range as a filmmaker.
The original “Twister,” released in 1996 and starring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, was a box office hit with a $41 million opening weekend and approximately $500 million in total ticket sales. The sequel, helmed by Chung, pays homage to its predecessor while introducing a new generation of stars and captivating audiences with its thrilling tornado-chasing storyline.
With such a strong start at the box office, “Twisters” has set the bar high for future disaster films and solidified Lee Isaac Chung’s reputation as a director capable of delivering both critical acclaim and commercial success. As the film continues to draw audiences and break records, it promises to be a major player in shaping the landscape of Hollywood blockbusters in the coming months.
