When it comes to reviving a beloved genre for a modern audience, Glen Powell proves he’s more than ready to lead the charge. In Twisters (2024), Powell stars as Tyler Owens, a thrill-seeking storm chaser with a social media following as large as his ego. His performance has quickly become one of the standout elements in this standalone sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Twister.
This isn’t just a flashy disaster flick—it’s a character-driven, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that brings fresh energy to the storm-chasing genre while honoring its roots.
Glen Powell commands the screen as fearless storm chaser Tyler Owens in Twisters (2024)
Meet Tyler Owens: The Tornado Wrangler of the Digital Age
Tyler Owens isn’t your typical storm chaser. He’s brash, charismatic, and built for the spotlight, documenting tornado hunts on social media under the nickname “The Tornado Wrangler.” Glen Powell brings a kinetic blend of danger and charm to the role, making it easy to understand why millions of followers—and moviegoers—are hooked.
His presence injects a dose of 21st-century reality into the film. In an era dominated by influencers and viral content, Tyler is the perfect symbol of how disaster and spectacle often go hand in hand.
“Tyler’s chasing more than storms—he’s chasing attention,” Powell noted in a recent interview. “But there’s real heart under all that swagger.”
A Social Media Daredevil in the Storm
Tyler’s obsession with capturing the perfect tornado shot mirrors the modern hunger for content and visibility. Whether he’s filming in the eye of a storm or hanging out of a Jeep at 90 miles per hour, his methods are as dangerous as they are captivating.
This portrayal resonates with today’s audiences because it feels grounded in real digital culture. People aren’t just watching natural disasters—they’re livestreaming them. And Powell’s performance taps directly into that tension between authenticity and performance.
For more on how social media influences modern filmmaking, visit our deep dive into The Rise of Digital Fame in Action Cinema.
Balancing Bravado with Authenticity
While Tyler Owens is full of showmanship, Powell ensures that he’s never just a caricature. As the movie progresses, we begin to see a more vulnerable side of Tyler—a man whose bravado masks real fears and personal history.
This is where Powell shines. His ability to toggle between humor and intensity gives Twisters the emotional grounding needed to elevate it beyond just spectacle. The role is a true showcase for Powell’s range, building on his previous work in Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion.
Plot Overview: Twisters (2024)
Twisters is not a direct sequel but rather a standalone story that exists in the same universe as the 1996 classic. Set in Oklahoma during a once-in-a-generation superstorm outbreak, the film follows two storm-chasing teams with very different philosophies.
One team, led by meteorologist Kate Cooper (played by Daisy Edgar-Jones), takes a scientific approach, relying on data and technology. The other, led by Tyler Owens, takes a more adrenaline-fueled route, focusing on capturing dramatic footage.
Their rivalry—and eventual collaboration—drives much of the movie’s tension, especially as the storms grow more intense and unpredictable.
Filming intense storm-chasing scenes on location in Oklahoma
A Standalone Sequel with New Energy
Director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) breathes new life into the disaster genre. Rather than recycling old characters, Twisters introduces a fresh cast and a contemporary tone, while still paying homage to the visual and emotional beats that made the original a classic.
The film’s pacing keeps you on edge, with stunning practical effects, realistic tornado simulations, and scenes that feel as dangerous as they look.
Looking for a refresher before diving into the new film? Read our comparison of Twister (1996) vs. Twisters (2024).
Kate Cooper vs. Tyler Owens
The dynamic between Kate and Tyler is the heart of the story. Where Kate is calculated and haunted by a traumatic past, Tyler is impulsive and eager to confront danger head-on. Their interactions create sparks—sometimes romantic, often confrontational.
This tension fuels the narrative, as both characters are forced to reconsider what storm chasing means—and what they’re really chasing in life.
“It’s not just about weather. It’s about trauma, purpose, and finding control in chaos,” says Daisy Edgar-Jones in a featurette.
Glen Powell’s Real-Life Tornado Connection
What makes Powell’s performance especially compelling is that he’s lived through a tornado. Growing up in Texas, Powell experienced a terrifying storm in his youth, which he credits as a major influence on his role.
“There’s a scene in the movie that’s pulled straight from my own memory,” he shared in a Variety interview. “I wanted the audience to feel what I felt as a kid—this mix of awe and absolute fear.”
Glen Powell channels personal memories into high-stakes storm-chasing scenes
This authenticity adds weight to his performance. It’s not just method acting—it’s memory, emotion, and lived experience.
For other actors who’ve drawn on real life for major roles, visit our article on Actors Who Turned Real Trauma into Powerful Performances.
Stay tuned for the second half of this article, where we’ll cover the ensemble cast, critical reception, box office performance, and Glen Powell’s growing legacy in the modern action genre.
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Cast and Crew: Big Names Behind the Storm
While Glen Powell commands the screen as Tyler Owens, Twisters is very much a collaborative cinematic storm, powered by a diverse and dynamic cast. The chemistry among the characters adds both tension and heart to the film’s high-stakes premise.
Dynamic Pairings and Direction
Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Cooper, a data-driven meteorologist with a traumatic past. Her performance is emotionally grounded and provides the perfect contrast to Powell’s adrenaline-chasing Tyler. Their opposing philosophies on storm chasing provide one of the film’s richest dramatic arcs.
Joining them is Anthony Ramos, who adds wit and moral clarity to the ensemble as a field technician caught between science and spectacle. Brandon Perea and Maura Tierney round out a cast that feels authentic, diverse, and fully committed.
And of course, the true force behind the camera is Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar-nominated director of Minari. His ability to blend intimate human storytelling with epic visual scale is what elevates Twisters beyond disaster movie expectations.
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Twisters blends emotional arcs with visually stunning tornado sequences
For more on Chung’s directorial style, check out our Director Spotlight: Lee Isaac Chung.
Critical Reception and Box Office Impact
Released on July 19, 2024, Twisters quickly became one of the biggest hits of the summer. It stormed past expectations with a global box office total of over $372 million, proving there’s still massive interest in high-concept disaster films—especially when paired with strong characters.
A Summer Hit with Depth
Critics praised the film for balancing heart-pounding action with meaningful character development. Glen Powell, in particular, drew raves for his energetic and emotionally nuanced performance. Variety called him “a force of charisma,” while The Hollywood Reporter described the film as “a rare sequel that improves upon its predecessor.”
Audience response was equally enthusiastic, with strong word of mouth driving repeat viewings. Social media lit up with behind-the-scenes trivia, especially about Powell’s real-life tornado experience and his hands-on approach to stunt scenes.
For a full review roundup, explore our Top Reviews of Twisters (2024).
Final Thoughts: Glen Powell and the Future of Disaster Films
Twisters proves that the disaster genre isn’t just alive—it’s evolving. With modern characters, real emotional stakes, and an authentic respect for science and spectacle, the film breathes new life into a format often dismissed as formulaic.
Glen Powell emerges from the chaos not just as an action star, but as a leading man with substance, capable of carrying emotionally charged narratives without losing his signature charm. His role in Twisters cements him as a central figure in the future of large-scale, character-driven cinema.
Why He’s More Than Just a Pretty Face
What sets Powell apart is his ability to merge blockbuster energy with indie sensibility. He’s playful without being goofy, intense without being rigid. Whether he’s hanging off a storm-chasing rig or confronting past trauma onscreen, he delivers performances that stick.
Expect to see more of him in everything from action epics to prestige dramas—and expect more audiences to follow wherever he goes.
Want more Glen Powell content? Read our feature: Glen Powell’s Best Roles Ranked.
FAQs About Glen Powell in Twisters (2024)
❓ Is Twisters a sequel or a reboot?
Twisters is a standalone sequel to the 1996 film Twister. It features a new cast and storyline but exists in the same universe.
❓ What is Glen Powell’s role in the film?
Powell plays Tyler Owens, a charismatic and reckless storm chaser known for broadcasting his chases online as “The Tornado Wrangler.”
❓ Did Glen Powell really experience a tornado?
Yes. Powell has shared stories of surviving a tornado as a child in Texas, which inspired one of the emotional scenes in the film.
❓ Who directed Twisters?
The film was directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for the Oscar-nominated Minari. His style brings both emotional depth and visual flair to the project.
❓ Where can I watch Twisters?
Twisters was released theatrically on July 19, 2024, and will be available for streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video later in the year.
Don’t Miss the Storm
Whether you’re a fan of disaster thrillers, adrenaline-fueled drama, or Glen Powell’s growing filmography, Twisters delivers on every front. It’s a big-screen spectacle with real emotional weight—and Powell’s performance makes it one of the most memorable cinematic events of 2024.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories like this? Check out our article on How Real Weather Events Inspire Hollywood’s Biggest Storm Movies.
