AMES, Iowa — While the anticipated film "Twister" arrives in theaters this week, did you know both films boast Iowa ties?
"Twister," which was the second-highest grossing film of 1996, filmed scenes in Eldora, Iowa. Despite the fictional setting for the film taking place in Oklahoma, the actual movie set involved a staging area and farmhouse located in the Eldora area.
Some fans of the original may also recognize that same house in Eldora as "Aunt Meg's house".
One of the movie's stars, Bill Paxton, even filmed scenes in the WOI-TV studios in Ames. While the scenes never made the final cut of the film, Paxton's elements including being a TV meteorologist alongside our very own anchors and production staff.
"Good evening, welcome to my nightmare," Paxton said jokingly in the 1995 footage archived by Local 5.
Ames was considered the "official locations" of the film, according to the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs database.
"Twister" received two nominations at the 69th Academy Awards: one for Best Sound and another for Best Visual Effects. It was one of 17 films from 1996 to receive at least two Academy Award nominations.
The film also ended up grossing nearly $500 million worldwide despite only having a roughly $92 million budget. "Twister" made almost $242 million in the United States.
So what about the newest tornado-themed cinematic experience?
"Twisters" stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, and was co-written by Joseph Kosinski. A Marshalltown native, Kosinski has previously directed "Tron: Legacy" and "Top Gun: Maverick" and is set to direct the upcoming "F1" film starring Brad Pitt.
