Budget for Twisters: Just How Much Did It Cost?
With a strong budget that firmly qualifies it as a Hollywood blockbuster, Twisters, the much awaited follow-up to the 1996 smash movie, is quite exciting. Reports from The Oklahoman state that Universal Pictures gave director Lee Isaac Chung and the staff a $200 million budget to help to realize the movie. Particularly those with franchise ties, this large outlay is on par with many other big studio tentpoles in 2024.
Most of this budget was probably used for production, especially the visually spectacular visual effects (VFX) required to fairly show the amazing tornado chases central to the movie. Though notable, the pay for actors Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell most certainly do not constitute the largest share of the budget.
When one compares the budget of Twisters to the original Twister, production expenses show a notable rise. Originally made for less than $100 million, the amount would be much higher considering inflation. The original Twister's $92 million budget comes to almost $200 million in 2024 when inflation is adjusted. Given the legacy of the original movie, Twisters' budget seems less shocking, even almost expected. But this also raises the box office expectations for the sequel, thus its success becomes even more vital.
Twisters Box Office: Just How Much Does It Need To Make?
With the stated $200 million budget, the box office targets for Twisters become rather clear. Generally speaking, Hollywood's rule of thumb is that films must double their budget at the box office to break even. Usually, profitability starts when the movie exceeds a multiplier of two- and- a half to three times its budget. This has little bearing on income from merchandising, home video sales, or streaming deals—all of which can greatly affect the general profitability of a movie.
To be deemed a box office success, Twisters must thus reach a total of $400 million. Twisters must make $500 to 600 million if it is to be really profitable and outperform the box office success of the original movie.
Although follow-up films try to surpass the box office success of the original, Twisters with its 28-year interval presents a special challenge. Still, the early buzz about the movie—driven by good reviews and robust marketing—has been positive. According to Deadline, initial estimates for Twisters' opening weekend at the box office ranged from $45-50 million, which is a good start that might open the path for a successful box office run akin to the original.
Glen Powell's latest success with "Anyone But You," which shockingly brought in $220 million at the box office and highlighted his box office drawing power, adds to the hopeful view.
Twisters International Office Performance
Currently in release worldwide, Twisters is creating great buzz in many different countries. One week ahead of its domestic release, on July 10, 2024, the rollout internationally started. Early international releases in Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries have already brought Twisters $11.5 million at the box office (source: Box Office Mojo).
Still, it's too early to say exactly how Twisters' box office performance will turn out generally. Although early international numbers and opening weekend projections show promise, Twisters will have to keep a strong box office presence with limited week-to--week declines to reach the longevity needed for a good run.
Given the legacy of the franchise and Glen Powell's recent success, Twisters' chances of performing profitably and fairly look good. The final success of the movie and whether it can challenge the legacy of its predecessor will depend much on the worldwide buzz mixed with the domestic release.
