Warning: Spoilers ahead for Twisters!
Summary
Tyler Owens has a surprising backstory inTwisters, but one detail was directly taken from Glen Powell’s actual childhood. The Texas native serves as one of the leads in theTwisterscast, which primarily focuses on Powell’s Tyler and Daisy Edgar-Jones' Kate. Despite being a standalone sequel, there are several links and Easter eggs to the originalTwistermovie from 1996. Tyler and Kate also share many of the same qualities shown through Jo and Bill Harding in the first movie, despite not having any direct connections to the characters.
At first, it seems like Tyler would be an antagonistic character inTwisters, but that notion quickly changes. ByTwisters’ending, Tyler proves himself to be something more than a famous YouTube “Tornado Wrangler,” working alongside Kate in a scientific experiment that could save lives. His team also shows that a large portion of their storm-chasing adventures end with them helping those affected by destructive tornadoes. Interestingly, one specific detail in Tyler’s backstory wasn’t actually invented for the fictional character; it came from Powell’s own life.
Twisters Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
The Twisters soundtrack contains country songs by Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and more. Here’s when each song plays in the movie.
Glen Powell’s Real Childhood Inspired Tyler Owens' Tornado Story In Twisters
The Actor Experienced A Real F5 Tornado At A Young Age
To convince Kate that he isn’t in the business for fame, Tyler takes her to a local rodeo, where he tells her some of his backstory while the pair sit in the stands. After revealing that he’s no stranger to the rodeo,Tyler shares how he got interested in chasing storms, admitting that he experienced a very dangerous tornado at a young age while with his aunt. Tyler’s story nearly mirrors what happened to the real actor decades prior.
much of the story Tyler shares with Kate inTwisterswas inspired by what happened to Powell and his family members
Glen Powell previously stated (viaTHR) that he was in an F5 tornado with his aunt and cousins in 1997. Therefore, much of the story Tyler shares with Kate inTwisterswas inspired by what happened to Powell and his family members when he was around eight. Powell also confirmed that it was the tornado that hit Jarrell, Texas, in May 1997. Sadly, the tornado that went through the town that day ended up killing 27 people, making it one of the deadliest tornado events in Texas' history.
Glen Powell’s Tornado True Story Was A Great Fit For His Twisters Character
The Detail Added A Personal Touch To Tyler Owens
Interestingly, director Lee Isaac Chung also experienced tornadoes while growing up in Arkansas, which is why he was a suitable fit to make the follow-up movie for a new generation. He may have also indirectly opened the door for a fun connection to the original 1996 movie.Helen Hunt doesn’t return as Jo inTwisters,but it’s possible that she could appear in a future sequel. Seeing as none of Tyler’s family appears inTwisters, it would be perfect to find out that Jo is Tyler’s aunt.
