Glen Powell’s Childhood Story is Featured in The ‘Twisters’ Plot

‘Twisters,’ the apocalyptic standalone inspired by its namesake 1996 film, made a sweeping success at the box office after its release last Friday. Powell, unlike his character Tyler Owens—a rogue and wild YouTuber known as Tornado Wrangler—had a childhood story that perfectly fit his on-screen persona.

In the film, Tyler Owens and Kate, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, are paired for a storm-taming operation. Their contrasting personalities—Owen’s daring YouTuber persona and Kate’s serious scientist demeanour—create initial friction. Kate initially sees Owen as a fame-chaser, but a shared childhood experience changes her perspective.

Also Read: Glen Powell Shares Exciting Update On New ‘The Running Man’ Remake

Owen shares a harrowing tale from his youth about encountering a tornado while with his aunt. This mirrors Powell’s real-life experience, which he revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Powell recounted a dangerous encounter with a tornado that struck Jarrell, Texas, in May 1997. Though he and his family survived, the storm claimed 27 lives, making it one of Texas’s deadliest tornado events. This traumatic experience gave depth to Owen’s character, explaining his later obsession with “wrangling” tornadoes.

Powell recalls looking to his aunt for guidance during the tornado, a detail that made its way into the film, adding nuance to Owen’s character. Director Lee Isaac Chung, who grew up experiencing tornadoes in Arkansas, was the ideal choice to helm the apocalyptic film.

According to the official synopsis, ‘Twisters’ follows a retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist who is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and advanced technologies.