Get ready to hit the theaters this weekend because one of the biggest movies of 2024, Twisters, is about to blow you away. This sequel to the 1996 classic Twister is starring Glen Powell and is already making waves as the next big summer blockbuster. As the film rolls out, Glen Powell has taken a moment to honor the original film’s star, the late Bill Paxton, with a heartfelt tribute.
On Friday, Glen Powell posted a touching throwback on Twitter featuring a photo of himself and Bill Paxton, both sporting cowboy hats. The accompanying message was full of admiration and nostalgia. Powell wrote:
“As we release Twisters into the world today, I just wanted to look up and tip my hat
Bill Paxton, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 61 due to complications from a damaged aortic heart valve, left behind a legacy of iconic roles. His performance in the original Twister, where he shared the screen with Helen Hunt, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Cary Elwes, remains memorable. The film was a defining moment in his career and continues to be a beloved classic.
Powell and Paxton’s connection runs deeper than just shared admiration for the original film. They actually worked together on a project long before Twisters was even a glimmer on the horizon. In 2013, they starred in a movie called Red Wing, a Western about an orphan taken in by a couple on a farm. In this film, Powell played the orphan who ends up working for a rancher portrayed by Paxton.
Here’s a peek from that film:
The fact that Powell and Paxton crossed paths in Red Wing before Powell ever signed onto Twisters adds a layer of serendipity to their story. It’s remarkable how their careers intertwined in such a meaningful way, with Powell now stepping into the role of leading man in a sequel to the movie that first made Paxton famous.
As for the film itself, Twisters is already receiving praise. CinemaBlend’s Mike Reyes notes that the sequel manages to capture “the feeling that the ‘90s hit stood for,” even without Paxton in the mix. Although Bill Paxton couldn’t be part of the new film, his legacy is honored in a special way—his son, James Paxton, is making an appearance in the sequel. This nod to the original movie is a sweet tribute and a fitting way to keep the Paxton name alive in the Twister universe.
So, as Twisters storms into theaters, it’s likely that many viewers will be revisiting the original Twister for the first time. If you’re itching to catch the 1996 film, it’s streaming on Max for those with a subscription.
With Glen Powell’s touching tribute and the exciting buzz around Twisters, this weekend promises to be filled with nostalgia and new thrills. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or new to the series, the legacy of Bill Paxton and the excitement of the sequel are sure to make this a memorable cinematic experience.
to the legend that is Bill Paxton. A great friend of mine who saw poetry in the natural world. His boots are impossible to fill, but this life is all about chasing the greats.
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