Title: Director Jan de Bont Reflects on the Future of his 90s Classic ‘Twister’
Subtitle: The upcoming sequel ‘Twisters’ presents a new vision for the iconic disaster film
Date: [Insert Date]
Hollywood, CA – Jan de Bont, renowned director of the 1996 disaster film ‘Twister,’ has shared his thoughts on the upcoming sequel and the changing landscape of the film industry. With the announcement of ‘Twisters,’ a sequel set to hit theaters next summer, de Bont candidly discussed the evolution of the franchise and the challenges faced by the original film’s crew.
‘Twister,’ which earned nearly $500 million at the global box office, captivated audiences with its gripping story of storm chasers and their pursuit of a major tornado. Given its financial success, de Bont knew a sequel was inevitable. “It made so much money for the studio,” de Bont admits. “Sooner or later, they would do it.”
The upcoming sequel, ‘Twisters,’ helmed by director Lee Isaac Chung and featuring a star-studded cast including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar Jones, and Anthony Ramos, reportedly takes place after the events of the original film. Steven Spielberg’s enthusiasm for the script provided the impetus for the fast-tracked production, joining forces between Universal and Warner Bros.
However, de Bont, now 79 years old, believes the new iteration will differ considerably from his own vision. Advancements in visual effects technology have limited the possibilities for inventive practical shots. De Bont fondly recalls the practical effects used in the original movie, where real objects fell from helicopters and ice rainstorms were captured in real-time. “It’s a movie that cannot be remade. That would never, ever happen again,” he remarks.
Nonetheless, de Bont acknowledges that ‘Twister’ played a pivotal role in shaping the future of visual effects, thanks to the ingenuity of Industrial Light & Magic. The film’s groundbreaking computer-generated tornadoes and seamlessly integrated practical effects revolutionized the industry.
De Bont, though uncertain about whether he will watch ‘Twisters,’ praises Chung’s previous work and remains optimistic about a fresh perspective on the Midwestern tale. He draws a parallel to Greta Gerwig directing ‘Barbie,’ a project that defied expectations and achieved success. “It might be a really different approach,” he suggests.
However, de Bont also expresses his reservations about the trend of indie directors transitioning quickly to blockbuster films. He believes that studios seek younger, inexperienced directors to maintain full creative control. While acknowledging the support these directors receive from a talented crew, de Bont cautions that ultimately, the studio will have the final say in the movie-making process.
As ‘Twisters’ gears up for its release, fans of the original will eagerly anticipate the new sequel, hoping to witness a fresh take on the beloved franchise. Regardless of the differences, Jan de Bont’s ‘Twister’ will remain a trailblazer in the world of visual effects and hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.
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