Grace Evans, a resident of Moore, Oklahoma, experienced the devastating tornado that hit the town in 2013, killing 24 people. Despite the trauma of that event, she and her teenage daughter recently watched the movie “Twisters” at a local theater, seeking the excitement and thrill portrayed in the film.
The blockbuster “Twisters” has become a hit among moviegoers in Oklahoma, including residents of tornado-prone areas. Even before its release, Oklahoma officials provided significant incentives to the filmmakers to shoot in the state, attracting audiences eager to see the movie in theaters.
The film, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell, made $80.5 million in its opening weekend from over 4,150 theaters in North America, with strong showings in tornado-prone regions like the Midwest. The Regal Warren theater in Moore, which survived a massive tornado, was one of the top-performing theaters, attracting viewers who resonated with the characters’ defiance against storms.
Director Lee Isaac Chung considered Oklahoma’s landscape crucial for the film, emphasizing the importance of filming on location rather than using blue screens. The state’s rebate incentive program, reimbursing up to 30% of qualifying expenses, drew filmmakers to choose Oklahoma as their filming location.
Oklahoma officials are still calculating the total amount spent on “Twisters,” but the state’s investment in attracting major productions like this highlights the success of their film incentives program. Jeanette Stanton, director of Oklahoma’s Film and Music Office, noted that seeing familiar landmarks on the big screen adds an exciting element for local audiences.
In towns like Barnsdall, which recently suffered from a deadly tornado, Mayor Johnny Kelley expects residents to have mixed reactions to the film “Twisters.” Some may embrace it, recognizing familiar locations, while others may feel differently due to their personal experiences with severe weather events.
Overall, the success of “Twisters” in theaters across Oklahoma reflects the state’s commitment to supporting the film industry and showcasing its unique landscapes on the big screen.
