On the Town: "Twisters" premiere brings Oklahoma love to the red carpet

“Twisters” spun into town with a red-carpet movie premiere in Oklahoma City Monday night that included the stars and director and packed theaters full of excited moviegoers ready to see the movie.

This Universal Pictures movie was meant to be a summer blockbuster, and I enjoyed getting a sneak peak Monday night at Harkins Cinema in Bricktown at the invitation of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, which helped organize the premiere. Monday’s event included state, community and film leaders who played roles in making the movie happen during its filming in Oklahoma lawmakers, civic leaders, chamber representatives and local filmmakers.

In remarks to the audiences before the movie started, “Twisters” Director Lee Isaac Chung said when his plane landed in Oklahoma City for the movie’s premiere this week, he felt like he was coming home.

“I love this state,” he said. “I feel like it's a state that I know and a state that knows me, and it was just such an honor to be able to make this movie here, and I know there are so many of you who are here who made that possible.”

“Twisters” officially opens Friday, with early screenings on Thursday. Early reviews and buzz show the movie getting a lot of attention.

Walking the red carpet at Harkins Cinema in Bricktown were Chung, the movie’s stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, and executive producer Ashley Jay Sandberg. Local and national media joined them on the red carpet and also filmed the crowds in the lobby.

Powell said the movie was made “with so much Oklahoma love” and that it was an honor to film in this state.

“We really love this place. We really love this community, and we thank you for opening your arms for us,” Powell said. “This movie is really about all of you, and we got a chance to really settle into the Oklahoma culture.”

Edgar-Jones echoes this sentiment and shared that she deeply feels a line she says in the movie “Man, I love Oklahoma.,” she said. “It’s so amazing to be back here with you.”

Ramos said he had so much respect for Oklahomans for living in Tornado Alley. He added he wanted people to feel the joy of the movies with this film.

“All of you are really fearless for living here,” he said. “You’re amazing.”

KFOR meteorologist Emily Sutton also made an appearance in the film and introduced the stars to Monday’s audiences, noting that the original 1996 “Twisters” movie that led to this one inspired her current career.

“It is a truly a dream to be here in front of you,” Sutton said.

The movie was fun to watch from beginning to end, and I loved seeing all the Oklahoma scenery featured so prominently. Hearing the stories of all those involved adds to the movie’s appeal in Oklahoma, including those of my son Ramey Brinkman, who was one of the many local extras. I even caught a glimpse of him on screen a few times.

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