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Lee Isaac Chung: The Unlikely Director of “Twisters” Sequel
When Lee Isaac Chung was announced as the director of the long-awaited sequel Twisters, many were puzzled by the choice. Chung, known for his critically acclaimed film Minari, had just come off multiple Oscar nominations. The leap from a small, personal film to a big-budget sequel of a beloved blockbuster seemed unconventional.
A Passion Project and Obsession
However, the decision was not arbitrary. Chung’s connection to Twisters ran deep. While working on Minari, a quieter family drama, he became fixated on the disaster film genre. His experience filming a climactic scene with a burning barn in Minari ignited his desire to tackle a larger-scale project. Chung recounted, “We actually lit this barn on fire and just took the risk of filming it in one take.”
The director’s childhood in rural Arkansas, near the film’s original setting, further fueled his interest in tornadoes. Witnessing the destructive power of these natural phenomena firsthand instilled a sense of awe and fear. Chung shared, “I remember thinking, ‘I didn’t know you could chase after these things.’ That, to me, was very mind-blowing.”
Challenges and Excitement on Set
Chung insisted on shooting Twisters on location in Oklahoma, adding authenticity to the film. Despite facing real tornado threats during production, the director remained committed to capturing the essence of the story. He reflected, “I felt like I was coming back home. Minari and Twisters, even though they’re very different, I kind of think of them as my Oklahoma movies.”
During filming, the cast and crew encountered actual tornado activity, prompting temporary halts in production for safety. Chung recalled one instance where a tornado touched down shortly after they wrapped shooting. He marveled at the surreal experience, noting, “It felt like a strange, ‘only when you’re making a movie’ sort of day.”
A Unique Vision Realized
While Lee Isaac Chung may have seemed like an unconventional choice for Twisters, his personal connection to the material and dedication to authenticity made him the ideal director for the project. To delve deeper into Chung’s perspective, readers can explore the director’s insights over at AP News. Anticipate the film’s release on July 19 for a cinematic experience unlike any other.
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