Twister’s Helen Hunt Reveals One Thing She Helped Keep Out Of The Script, And I’m So Glad She Stuck To Her Guns

As a gamer who grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I think about the iconic movie “Twister” from 1996. It was one of those films that made a significant impact on me, not just because of the thrilling action sequences, but also due to the well-rounded characters and performances.


Over the summer, viewers got a chance to witness the grand scale spectacle of an upcoming 2024 blockbuster titled “Twisters.” The movie exceeded predictions at the box office and received favorable critiques. Surprisingly, it proved to be an enjoyable sequel, but we mustn’t forget its precursor – the 1996 film “Twister,” which laid the groundwork. One of the reasons that original film was so well-received were the captivating performances delivered by actors such as Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Remarkably, Hunt recently disclosed something she managed to keep out of the script, and I’m grateful she stood firm on her decision.

In the thrilling movie “Twister,” I stepped into the shoes of storm chaser Jo Harding. Amid the chaos of tornadoes and personal turmoil, my character was navigating a divorce from Bill (Bill Paxton’s character). To make things even more complicated, Bill’s fiancée, Dr. Melissa Reeves (portrayed by Jami Gertz), was also part of the story. Despite the awkwardness, Jo and Melissa kept their cool, or so I played it in the script, which originally had them being a bit more… let’s say, catty toward each other.

In this film, there’s not much I can proudly claim ownership over, given its grandeur that outshines my humble self. Yet, I’d like to claim a tiny piece of it, as there were moments in the script where we exchanged sharp remarks, creating a dynamic between us. We both looked at each other and thought, ‘We don’t want to be part of that.’ It was us, the duo, who decided that such an approach wouldn’t appeal to the audience, wanting to watch these two women unfold their story.

More on Twister

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d put it like this: “Just as ‘Jaws’ revolutionized shark movies, I believe this upcoming film will do the same for tornadoes. Recently, some original footage of Bill Paxton from the Twister set surfaced, and it’s not just entertaining but also eerily prophetic.

Over time, some fascinating backstage facts about the game-changing movie Twister have come to light from its cast and crew. Among these gems, a recent revelation shared by Helen Hunt at Rhode Island Comic Con (as reported by People) has become one of my favorites. Many films and shows have exploited the “feuding women” trope, making it stale. I’m grateful that both Hunt and Jami Gertz remained steadfast in avoiding that narrative arc, which allowed for a more complex portrayal of Melissa and Jo’s relationship.

During a conversation at the convention, the star of “As Good as It Gets” enthusiastically praised her fellow actors, including the late Bill Paxton. She spoke highly of their chemistry and even shared thoughts on their working relationship. The Academy Award-winning actress also commended Jami Gertz for her performance as Melissa. In praising Gertz, the veteran from “Mad About You” mentioned the challenges she faced while portraying the somewhat reserved sex therapist character.

As a fan, I’m finding it quite amusing that she’s portraying a character who seems rather dull. She asks questions that can put even the most awake person to sleep, and she’s so cautious about keeping her outfit pristine. It’s almost as if her character is making me look more interesting by comparison. So, in a way, I owe a big part of my cool factor to her!

It’s sweet to hear the Emmy winner share such praise for her scene partner, and it’s true that as much as Helen Hunt played off Bill Paxton well, she also played out a great, foil-centric dynamic with Jami Gertz. What I just can’t get over is the fact that Gertz and Hunt were able to advocate for themselves to ensure that their characters didn’t come off as enemies. There’s already so much I enjoy about the beloved blockbuster and, moving forward, I’ll keep this lovely BTS detail in mind whenever I watch it.

As an excited fan, I’m thrilled to share that you can now either purchase or rent the classic movie “Twister” on Amazon. And here’s some fantastic news for those who have Peacock subscriptions – starting November 15th, you’ll be able to stream “Twister” directly from this service!

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2024-11-04 02:37