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Director of the 2023 Twisters sequel Lee Isaac Chung has illuminated the choice not to bring back the legendary Helen Hunt, star of the first 1996 film. Though Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones represent a new generation of storm chasers in the sequel, the lack of Hunt as Jo Harding, the meteorologist from the first movie, has piqued interest among viewers.
Chung's artistic vision for the sequel was one of a fresh story, so separating itself from the legacy of the last movie. Jo Harding, he saw as a seasoned storm chaser who had moved on from her past life, "I just felt that is not what I want to see Jo Harding doing years from now," Chung said in an interview with The Wrap. Not grounded on a farm, he imagined her "out there chasing storms." Including Jo in the sequel would not have reflected her character, he felt.
Twisters has had a great box-office showing even without Hunt and other original stars. The follow-up attracted over $80 million in North America and a worldwide gross almost equal to $123 million. The sequel's stand-alone character helped Chung create a fresh narrative free from the constraints of the past movie's narratives, so explaining this success. Critics of the movie have also given it great marks for its original approach and gripping narrative.
Though the sequel stands on its own, it subtly nods to and references the original Twisters. Engaging both old and new viewers, these homages help close the difference between the two movies. These references honor the legacy of the first movie even if they are less direct than returning original cast members.
Helen Hunt is currently filming the film Lucca Mortis and has kept up a successful career appearing in TV shows like Blindspotting and Hacks. Hunt's future participation in the Twisters franchise is not confirmed, but she might show up in a possible future sequel. But the franchise's future depends on Twisters' performance, which is presently running well theatrically.
Embracing a new generation of storm chasers and honoring the legacy of its predecessor, the Twisters sequel deviates boldly from the original. Though not particularly significant, Helen Hunt's absence reflects the director's vision for a unique and interesting story on its own. The popularity of the movie at the box office and favorable reviews show the possibility of this new chapter in the Twisters series to enthrall viewers and confirm its importance in movie history.