Twisters: Every Major Connection and Nod to the Original Movie

Dorothy V

In simple terms, the connection between “Twister” (the movie) and “Twisters” (tornados) is clearly established at the beginning. The initial scene in “Twisters” takes place five years prior to the main storyline. It portrays a disastrous field experiment during which three colleagues of Kate and Javi perished due to a colossal tornado.

In that particular scene, Javi gathers information with a device called Dorothy Version 5. This tool is reminiscent of the problematic Dorothys from the original “Twister” film, which the scientists struggled to perfect throughout the story.

Overpasses Are the Worst

In the opening flashback of Twisters, Kate’s team finds themselves in peril when they’re swept up in a tornado and must scramble for cover under a nearby overpass. Despite her warning that overpasses are the most dangerous places during such storms, they have no other option but to seek refuge there.

In some ways, that statement holds validity. Yet, it appears to be a hidden reference to an early scene in “Twister.” When Jo and Bill initially reconnect and pursue a storm as a team, they meet with an accident and must endure beneath a tiny bridge, which was the closest shelter around at the time. They managed to make it through, but unfortunately, Kate’s team didn’t survive under the overpass three decades later.

Clothing Choices

In Twisters, you’ll find an abundance of clothing options that honor the cherished characters from Twister. Notable among these are those influenced by Helen Hunt’s Jo Harding and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Dusty. Among these tributes, one particular outfit stands out distinctly.

In the third act of “Twisters,” Kate dons a red shirt bearing a baseball logo. The same logo appears on the boy’s shirt in the final scene of “Twister,” as he and his family exit their storm shelter to assess the destruction left by the tornado.

Bill and James Paxton

In simpler terms, when Bill Paxton, a renowned actor from the original “Twister” movie, tragically passed away in 2017, the film’s creators, led by Lee Isaac Chung, ensured that Paxton’s memory lived on through his character in their sequel.

James Paxton, Bill’s son, features with a minor part in “Twisters.” Around the midpoint of the film, he makes an appearance as an irate guest at a motel. He fails to heed Kate and Tyler’s alarms about an approaching tornado.

Tornado Rivals

In the film “Twister,” an eccentric band of storm chasers faces off against a group of wealthy and unappealing adversaries. From the outset, it’s apparent that these antagonists are the bad guys. The dynamic between the two teams remains competitive, although the scenario is altered slightly.

Kate, with traits akin to both Jo and Bill Harding from “The Fault in Our Stars,” initially heads back to Oklahoma to assist Javi’s Storm Chasers team in gathering data for improved tornado alerts. At first glance, this motley crew, spearheaded by Tyler Owens in “Twisters,” might appear as mere attention-seeking YouTubers striving for wealth and fame. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that their roles echo those from the original tale; Kate enters the narrative on an unexpected side.

As a big fan of Kate’s perspective, I used to believe that Storm Par, with their substantial resources and impressive credentials, would be incredibly beneficial. But now, I’m starting to question that assumption. They might not be as helpful as initially thought. In contrast, Tyler’s group may appear simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they possess a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

I’m Not Back

In the movie “Twister,” when Bill goes back to his former residence to retrieve divorce documents from Jo, one of his colleagues greets him warmly upon his arrival. However, Bill makes it clear to everyone present, “I haven’t come back yet.”

In the movie “Twisters,” a nearly identical situation unfolds. Kate has consented to spend a week in Oklahoma to aid Javi, with no intention of staying longer. Following their initial day of work together, he expresses his happiness at her return, and she answers with the exact same phrase that Paxton used three decades prior.

Red Pickups

I’ve had the pleasure of watching Bill and Jo’s thrilling adventures on Twister through the windshield of Bill’s gleaming red Dodge pickup. The way they fearlessly chased tornadoes, their faces filled with awe and excitement, left an indelible mark on me. Their courage and determination to capture the raw power of nature up close is truly inspiring. It’s not an experience I’ve had myself, but just imagining it gives me goosebumps.

In Twisters, a red Dodge pickup truck stands out as the most identifiable vehicle due to its additional features, ideal for managing tornados.

Story Time

In the movie “Twister,” there’s a moment when the team gathers for dinner at Aunt Meg’s place. During this meal, various individuals share an amusing anecdote with Bill’s fiancée about an incident involving him and a tornado, where he was reportedly found without any clothes on.

In the movie “Twisters,” Kate’s mother shares an anecdote with Tyler about a younger Kate eagerly dashing out of the bath to witness an storm outside, naked. Despite the variations in their narratives, they both underscored the central theme of Kate’s character attempting to capture a storm without clothing.

The Movies

Without a doubt, one of the most thrilling scenes in the film “Twister” unfolds at a drive-in theater. Here, audiences frantically seek shelter as a tornado touches down, tearing through the screen at the exact moment Jack Nicholson’s character from “The Shining” is smashing down his bathroom door. This scene brilliantly merges the terror of the storm with one of cinema history’s most iconic horror movie moments.

In a tribute to the classic drive-in experience, Twisters concludes with a scene where numerous individuals under the tornado’s threat seek refuge in a nearby cinema. The twister strikes the building, tearing off the movie screen just as a monster movie marathon was about to begin.

“We Got Cows.”

In “Twister,” the drive-in scene could be considered a standout, but without a doubt, the movie’s most memorable instant is when a cow soars through the air in front of Bill’s truck. Ever since the announcement of “Twister,” fans have been curious if the film would feature any cows.

Last weekend, if I had gone to watch “Twisters,” and kept an eye out for a cow among the chaos of the storm, I may have missed it. But just because I didn’t see one doesn’t mean it wasn’t there. In fact, Chung revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that the VFX team cleverly hid a flying cow in the tornado’s aftermath. However, spotting this elusive bovine is no easy feat – apparently, it’s the most challenging thing to find in the entire film.