A long-awaited sequel to the 1996 tornado smash “Twister” is in the works, according to a Universal spokesman on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
The sequel, “Twisters,” is being developed by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, with Warner Bros. Entertainment co-financing.
“Twisters” will have audiences following the storm once more, thanks to a screenplay created by “The Revenant” screenwriter Mark L. Smith.
Frank Marshall will also produce the film, which does not yet have a director.
Husband and wife Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (both of “Free Solo”), and Travis Knight (“Bumblebee”) are among the short-listed filmmakers.
Dan Trachtenberg was also identified as a prospective candidate by Deadline, but he refuted the report in a tweet, stating, “Whoever it may concern I’m not going to TWISTER.”
The original picture, directed by Jan de Bont and starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, was executive produced by Stephen Spielberg. “Twister” was a huge hit, grossing over $494 million at the movie office worldwide and starring notable actors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman and Todd Field.
Dr. Jo Harding, played by Hunt, and a group of students were ready to test a novel data-gathering equipment in a strong tornado. It was praised for its revolutionary visual effects and inspired a Universal Studios theme park attraction.
Universal has not stated whether or not Hunt has agreed to return for the sequel. Paxton died in 2017 at the age of 61 after complications from heart surgery, while Hoffman died in 2014 at the age of 46.
Universal did not reveal any specifics about the sequel, although Deadline claimed that it will focus on Hunt’s character’s kid, who has the same storm-chasing bug as her parents.
According to Deadline, Universal and Amblin are expecting to begin filming “Twisters” in spring 2023.