Bill Paxton’s Best Movie Is Getting A Sequel, Now It’s Official

The late Bill Paxton's most successful film, Twister, is finally getting a sequel nearly 30 years after the original blew into theaters.

By Douglas Helm | Updated

Bill Paxton made one of his best movies in 1996 and now we’re finally getting a sequel nearly three decades later. Deadline reported that there is a sequel to Twister underway and that it will be released on July 19, 2024. The sequel will be coming to us from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt made waves (or wind) as the storm-chasing couple headed for divorce who have to team up to put a weather device in the heart of violent tornadoes. Twister smashed box office expectations and became the second-highest-grossing movie of the year. Jan de Bont directed the film, which received Oscar nominations in several categories.

There aren’t too many details about the upcoming sequel or who will be replacing Bill Paxton as the star. What we do know about the Twister sequel is the fact that Minari‘s Lee Isaac Chung will be helming the flick. Mark L. Smith will be writing the screenplay and it will be produced by Frank Marshall.

Hopefully, the new film will find a way to pay tribute to Bill Paxton and its other late star, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Fortunately, many members of the cast are still around and have the potential to return or make a cameo. Helen Hunt, Jami Gertz, Alan Ruck, Todd Field, and Jeremy Davies could all reprise their roles if the script calls for it.

Interestingly, before Bill Paxton was cast in the role of Bill Harding, other actors like Michael Keaton, Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, John Travolta, Richard Gere, John Cusack, Nicolas Cage, Bruce Willis, and Val Kilmer were all considered for the role. Perhaps the new Twister sequel will cast one of these reliable stars as their new lead. Then again, it’s likely that they’ll want to cast younger actors if they’re wanting to set up a franchise.

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Helen Hunt and Bill Pullman in Twister

Along with amazing performances from the likes of Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, the first Twister was a marvel of visual effects and sound design, which is why it was rightfully nominated for both categories. Visual effects have only improved over the years, so the new film will undoubtedly be a terrifying spectacle of destruction once it hits theaters. It wouldn’t be surprising if the film is shown on IMAX screens, which would only add to the immersion.

We’ll just have to wait and see what this new film will have in store for us. While Bill Paxton’s presence will certainly be missed, it’s always fun to see a solid disaster summer blockbuster like Twister in theaters. It’s disappointing that we’ll have to wait until 2024 to see it, but it’s safe to say that it could be just as special as the original with the Oscar-nominated talent that is already on board.

Out of the many wonderful movies Bill Paxton has made, many people consider Twister one of his best. A sequel has been long overdue and it’ll be interesting to see who is cast in the film and what the plot is about. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated on all the details about the upcoming sequel.