Why Are People Obsessed With ‘Twisters’ Star Glen Powell?

Twisters — a remake of 1996's Twister — has hit theaters, and viewers can't seem to get enough. But why, exactly?

The flick stars Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos and Daisy Edgar-Jones and has many similarities to the original.

The 2024 re-envisioned version finds Kate Cooper (Edgar-Jones) on a mission to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. That's very similar to when Jo Harding was adventuring to do the same in '96.

But fans have really zeroed in on the heartthrob frontman, Powell, with some dubbing him the "rom-com Matthew McConaughey" of this generation.

What Other Movies is Glen Powell in?

Powell started acting at a young age, nailing a role in Spy Kids. He would find himself in various projects as the years went on, but his roll in Hidden Figures in 2016 made people look.

From there, his career exploded, notching movies like Set it Up, Top Gun: Maverick, Hit Man, Anyone But You, and now Twisters.

He's acted alongside famous counterparts such as Tom Cruise and Sydney Sweeney.

What Role Does Glen Powell Play in Twisters?

Powell is one of the three leading roles in the new film. He plays Tyler Owens, a social media superstar, who runs into former storm chaser Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones). The two find themselves in the paths of multiple storms converging over central Oklahoma, and fight for their lives.

Why is Glen Powell Suddenly So Popular?

There is something about romance in the midst of peril that keeps people coming back for more. In this case, it's Powell and Edgar-Jones running for their lives against deathly tornados.

Outside of Top Gun, Powell for the most part has been seen in more rom-com personas than the role he plays in Twisters. Fans are seeing the actor play a more rebellious, yet still suave, character. He's less dorky and goofy, more assertive and gruff.

The physical difference in his previous roles is something many are taking note of. Sporting a beard, rather than clean shaven, and western style — fans love his cowboy side.

There is one scene in particular, with the actor wearing a tight white shirt as rain falls down, exposing his fit physique, that really has fan's jaws dropping.

Twisters Country Music Connections

Country fans have latched onto the flick in part due to its impressive soundtrack. It's a Who's Who of what's hot in modern country music — Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney, Thomas Rhett, Bailey Zimmerman, Conner Smith, Tyler Childers, Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell all have songs on the LP.

The crew has fully embraced the country connection, too, even showing up at a recent Luke Combs concert to shotgun beers with the "Fast Car" singer. His song "Ain't no Love in Oklahoma" is on the Twisters soundtrack.

Twister Original Cast

Today, Helen Hunt, who plays Jo Harding in the 1996 film, has since stepped a bit back from acting in movies, currently staring in an HBO Max TV series called Hacks. The 61 year-old has one daughter, Makena Lei Gordon Carnahan (20).

Sadly, Hunt's leading man, Bill Paxton wasn't able to see the re-imagined film come to life. The actor died in 2017 at the age of 61. He suffered a stroke, after undergoing heart surgery a month prior to repair a damaged aortic heart valve.

See the full 1996 Twister cast, and where they are now below.

Adison Haager is the host for Taste of Country’s popular social media platforms. She brings the latest interviews with artists such as Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson and more, producing them to Taste of Country’s YouTube, TikTok, podcasts and website.