Daisy Edgar-Jones on ‘Twisters,’ Storm Chasing, and Texas Tornadoes

Daisy Edgar-Jones is starring in one of the biggest summer blockbusters, “Twisters.” The 26-year-old British actress is leading the next installment of the “Twister” franchise, following the 1996 original featuring Helen Hunt and Fort Worth native Bill Paxton.

Just four short years ago, Edgar-Jones gained widespread recognition with her breakout role in the 2020 Hulu series, “Normal People.” Since then, she has showcased her talent in two films, “Fresh” and “Where the Crawdads Sing,” and continued her television career in the limited series “Under the Banner of Heaven.” Now, with “Twisters,” which premiered on July 19, Edgar-Jones is headlining her biggest project yet.

Ahead of the film’s release, she reflected on her experience during an interview with the Star-Telegram in Dallas. Edgar-Jones shared that this trip marked her first visit to Texas, and she thoroughly enjoyed her time there, diving into local culture by visiting Wild Bill’s Western Store to buy boots and hats, enjoying Texan barbecue, and viewing a storm exhibition at a museum. She found Texan hospitality to be warm and welcoming.

When asked about what she hopes audiences take from “Twisters,” Edgar-Jones expressed her excitement for viewers to experience the film’s adventure and the wild ride on the big screen. She believes it’s a movie that offers a thrilling cinema experience that should be shared with others.

Reflecting on the 1996 original “Twister,” Edgar-Jones admitted she was too young to recall its initial release but fondly remembered watching it during her childhood. She rewatched it when she learned that Lee Isaac Chung was directing the new “Twisters.” She praised the original for its fun and star-studded cast, considering it a classic for good reason.

Edgar-Jones appreciated the unique challenge “Twisters” presented for her. She finds the disaster genre fascinating, especially with its underlying human stories of friendship, perseverance, and community. Her character, Kate, is a former storm chaser who faces a traumatic event, causing her to leave the pursuit. She’s coaxed back into storm chasing by an old friend, thus beginning her journey of facing fears and overcoming obstacles.

Edgar-Jones shared how Kate’s complex relationship with storm chasing intrigued her. Initially passionate but later fearful, Kate’s arc involves confronting her past and rediscovering her love for chasing tornadoes. She appreciated how director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his character-driven films like “Minari,” delved into these intricate dynamics.

Working with Chung was a major draw for Edgar-Jones. She admired his enthusiasm for the project and his love for old-school disaster movies. Chung’s excitement was infectious, making her eager to join the cast.

Discussing her co-stars, Edgar-Jones expressed her delight in working with a talented ensemble. From Glen Powell to Anthony Ramos, the cast brought a vibrant dynamic to the film, reminiscent of the stellar young cast from the original “Twister.” She enjoyed watching her fellow actors bring their characters to life, each with their unique quirks and strengths.

In preparation for her role as a storm chaser, Edgar-Jones consulted with real-life storm chasers and meteorologists. She developed a friendship with some consultants, joining them on actual storm-chasing expeditions. While they didn’t encounter a tornado, the experience was invaluable, particularly for understanding the technical weather jargon used in the script. Improvising lines involving this jargon proved challenging but ultimately enriching for her portrayal.

Filming “Twisters” came with its own set of physical demands. Shooting took place in Oklahoma during tornado season, involving jet engines, rain, and wind machines to recreate the chaotic weather conditions. This intense environment, coupled with the summer heat, made the production feel like a constant water park ride, though it ensured a good night’s sleep after each day of shooting. Despite the challenges, the immersive experience enriched her performance and connection to the character.

Edgar-Jones also touched on a unique handshake her character shares with Anthony Ramos’ character. Initially suggested by director Isaac, the actors refined it to give their characters a small, special bond, highlighting the camaraderie among tornado wranglers.

Through her role in “Twisters,” Edgar-Jones gained a deeper appreciation for weather, expressing an interest in further storm-chasing adventures, albeit from a safe distance. She hopes audiences will find the movie both entertaining and thought-provoking, celebrating nature, community, and human perseverance against formidable challenges.

“Twisters” hit theaters on July 19, promising an edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience.

Source: Star-Telegram