‘Twisters’ Sparks Backlash After Failing To Mention Climate Change As A Cause Of Extreme Weather

The latest summer blockbuster Twisters, a reboot of the 1996 storm-chasing film, is stirring up controversy for its approach to extreme weather events and climate change.

The movie, which features more intense storms than its predecessor, Twister, including a tornado filled with fire, follows a group of storm chasers attempting to stop destructive twisters. While the film provides thrilling entertainment, some critics argue it missed an opportunity to address real-world climate concerns.

Characters in the film mention increasingly frequent storms and floods, as well as rising costs for agricultural products. However, the term “climate change” is notably absent from the script, despite its relevance to the plot’s central themes.

Many fans have taken to social media to express displeasure at the omission. X user Dr. Samantha Montano wrote, “Has someone has already written the obvious Twisters climate take that not only does it not address the relationship between climate change & tornadoes but turns to geoengineering (?!?!) as the solution? It is deeply irresponsible to waste your platform at this moment in time.”

Scientists remain uncertain about the exact relationship between climate change and tornadoes. However, research indicates an increase in large tornado outbreaks and off-season events, though the cause remains unclear.

Director Lee Isaac Chung told CNN he wanted to avoid preaching a message, stating, “I think [cinema] should be a reflection of the world.” This approach has sparked debate about the responsibility of filmmakers when depicting climate-related issues in mainstream entertainment.

The movie’s climax introduces a fictional solution to stopping tornadoes, involving rockets and silver iodide. This plot device has drawn criticism for promoting unrealistic expectations about technological fixes for environmental problems.

Some industry observers argue that while entertainment remains the primary goal of summer blockbusters, there’s room for more nuanced discussions of climate issues without compromising the viewing experience.

As extreme weather events become more frequent in reality, the film industry’s approach to these issues in fictional narratives may come under increasing scrutiny.

Twisters opened nationwide on Friday and is expected to perform well at the box office despite the controversy. The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as storm chasers racing against time to prevent catastrophic tornado damage in Oklahoma.