Helen Hunt, the celebrated actress, recently shared heartfelt memories of her time filming Twister during a special screening at the Rhode Island Comic Con on November 1. At 61, she reflected on the undeniable chemistry she had with her co-star Bill Paxton, who tragically passed away in 2017.
While addressing the audience, Hunt recalled, “I think we immediately had the chemistry.” She likened their dynamic to the legendary pairing of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in the classic film Bringing Up Baby (1938). “There’s this old trope that is true,” she explained, elaborating on how chemistry can manifest in various ways. “Sometimes you have chemistry with someone and you love everything they say, and other times they drive you crazy — and that’s another kind of chemistry.”
Hunt praised the contributions of Jami Gertz, who portrayed her romantic rival in Twister. “She’s playing someone who’s such a drag,” Hunt said, highlighting how Gertz’s character made her look “cooler” in comparison. Their collaborative efforts ensured that their on-screen rivalry avoided any “catty” undertones, a significant decision for both actresses. Hunt recalled, “We looked at each other and said, ‘I don’t want to see it.'”
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The film, directed by Jan de Bont and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, became a blockbuster hit, grossing over $494 million worldwide. It featured a talented cast, including Cary Elwes, Lois Smith, Alan Ruck, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
During the event, Hunt also touched on her past struggles with a knee injury that almost led her to quit the film weeks before filming began. “Can I pull this off?” she questioned herself at the time. Her perseverance paid off, as the film remains a beloved classic.
Twister continues to resonate with audiences, and a standalone sequel, Twisters, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell, premiered on July 19. Hunt had previously pitched her own sequel, expressing disappointment that studios weren’t interested, calling it “so cool” in a 2021 interview.
As Hunt reminisced about the practical effects used during the filming, she noted the challenges the cast faced. “We just pummeled the s— out of us, and it looks amazing,” she said, emphasizing the authenticity of their performances compared to today’s reliance on computer-generated imagery.
The Rhode Island Comic Con, running from November 1-3, showcased not only Hunt’s reflections but also the enduring legacy of Twister and its impact on both fans and its stars.
