๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Twisters Filmed? Complete Oklahoma City Location Guide backdrop
ActionDisasterThriller

๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Twisters Filmed? Complete Oklahoma City Location Guide

2024
Lee Isaac Chung
Added January 15, 2024
5 Locations

Chase cinematic storms in Oklahoma! Discover Twisters' thrilling authentic locations and plan your adventure through Tornado Alley.

About ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Twisters Filmed? Complete Oklahoma City Location Guide

๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Twisters Filmed? Complete Oklahoma City Location Guide

Get ready to rumble! The highly anticipated film "Twisters" isn't just bringing catastrophic cinematic storms to the big screen; it's also grounding its thrilling narrative in the very heart of America โ€“ Oklahoma City and parts of North Texas. This isn't just a movie about tornadoes; it's a love letter to the dramatic landscapes and resilient communities of Tornado Alley.

The original "Twister" left an indelible mark on disaster movie history, and "Twisters" promises to elevate the storm-chasing experience to new heights. But beyond the cutting-edge visual effects, it's the authentic, real-world filming locations that truly bring the danger and the drama to life.

Imagine standing where Hollywood's biggest stars faced down virtual EF5s, feeling the echoes of cinematic chaos. These aren't just backdrops; they're characters in their own right, lending gritty realism and visceral intensity to every scene. From bustling urban centers to quiet small-town squares, each spot tells a piece of the storm story.

Join us as we embark on an epic journey through the eye of the storm (cinematically speaking, of course!). We'll guide you through the key filming locations of "Twisters," offering a sneak peek into the places where meteorological madness met moviemaking magic. Let's chase some tornadoes! ๐ŸŒช๏ธ

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๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations

๐ŸŽฌ OKC Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA - A Whirlwind Hub ๐ŸŒ€

Scenic view of OKC Convention Center showing its modern architecture against the city skyline. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

The Oklahoma City Convention Center is a modern, state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. With its striking architecture and expansive spaces, it hosts major events, conferences, and conventions, making it a bustling center of activity. Its prominent position against the city skyline offers a dramatic urban backdrop.

๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

Given its scale and central location, the OKC Convention Center likely serves as a backdrop for large-scale disaster sequences or a pivotal meeting point for storm chasers. Imagine our heroes navigating its sleek exteriors as a massive tornado bears down on the city. It's the perfect canvas for urban devastation!

๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 100 Mick Cornett Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73109, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Varies by event; typically public access during events.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to walk exterior grounds; interior access depends on event.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: okcconventioncenter.com
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Grab a coffee from a nearby downtown cafe and enjoy the contemporary architecture. The area is very walkable, offering great views of the cityscape. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The OKC Convention Center is part of the extensive MAPS 3 projects, a series of public works initiatives that have significantly revitalized downtown Oklahoma City.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Automobile Alley, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA - Historic Chase ๐Ÿš—

    Stunning architecture of Automobile Alley featuring historic brick buildings and vibrant streetlights. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Automobile Alley is one of Oklahoma City's most charming and historic districts, originally home to the cityโ€™s early car dealerships. Today, its beautifully restored brick buildings house trendy boutiques, popular restaurants, and lively bars, illuminated by enchanting string lights at night. It's a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This historic street could have played host to intense urban chase scenes or the aftermath of a storm's fury, with debris scattered among its charming architecture. Its distinctive character would make any destruction here feel particularly impactful and visually striking.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: NE 4th St & Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA (General Area)
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Shops and restaurants have individual hours; public street access 24/7.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to explore.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: automobilealley.org
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Visit during the evening to see the famous "Automobile Alley Lights." The string lights create a magical atmosphere perfect for a stroll and photos. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Many original dealerships in Automobile Alley had showrooms on the ground floor and repair shops on higher floors, with ramps built for driving cars between levels!

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA - The Heart of the Storm ๐Ÿšฆ

    Beautiful view of a downtown street intersection showing film characters Glen Powell, Harry Hadden-Paton, Brandon Perea, and Sasha Lane. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    The intersection of Reno Avenue and E.K. Gaylord Boulevard is a crucial thoroughfare in downtown Oklahoma City, connecting to core city attractions like Paycom Center and the Bricktown Entertainment District. It's a high-traffic area, bustling with city life and surrounded by modern high-rises.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    As seen in this still, this intersection appears to be a focal point for the film's action. Itโ€™s ideal for depicting the chaos of a city under siege by a tornado, with characters like Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones navigating the peril. Expect high-stakes moments and incredible visual effects here!

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Intersection of Reno Ave and E K Gaylord Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Public street access 24/7.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A (Public intersection)
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: This intersection is a short walk from the Oklahoma City Thunder's home arena, Paycom Center. Catch a game or tour the arena if you're in the area! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Downtown Oklahoma City has undergone massive revitalization efforts over the past few decades, evolving into a modern, dynamic urban center ready for prime-time cinema.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Bolivar Street, Sanger, Texas, USA - Small Town Resilience ๐Ÿ˜๏ธ

    Impressive facade of a commercial building on Bolivar Street in Sanger, Texas displaying a classic Main Street town feel. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Bolivar Street is part of the charming downtown area of Sanger, a small town nestled in North Texas. It exudes classic Americana, with historic brick buildings that evoke a sense of community and timelessness. These quaint streets often serve as the backbone for local life.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    Small-town settings often provide the most poignant and dramatic backdrops in disaster films. Bolivar Street likely represents a community directly in the path of a devastating storm, showcasing the vulnerability and resilience of rural America against nature's might.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Bolivar St, Sanger, TX 76266, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Public street access 24/7. Individual businesses vary.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to explore.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: sangertexas.org
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Explore Sanger's local boutiques and eateries; a taste of small-town Texas warmth is a great way to contrast with the film's intensity! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Sanger is part of Denton County, an area that has experienced significant growth while maintaining its charming small-town identities, making it a popular filming destination.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Town square set, Justin, Texas, USA - Constructed for Catastrophe ๐Ÿ—๏ธ

    Authentic street scene of a town square set in Justin, Texas capturing a small-town American atmosphere. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    While Justin, Texas, is a real town, this image depicts a specially constructed town square set. Building dedicated sets allows filmmakers unparalleled control over the environment, enabling elaborate stunts, large-scale destruction, and precise replication of desired aesthetics. It captures the essence of a classic small American town.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This meticulously crafted set was undoubtedly built for one purpose: epic destruction. Expect to see massive tornado effects, car flips, flying debris, and dramatic escapes. It's here that the film's visual effects prowess will likely be on full display, showcasing raw power and human struggle.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: Specific set location not publicly accessible. Justin, TX general area: 415 N Jackson St, Justin, TX 76247, USA (City Hall)
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: N/A (Private set)
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: N/A (Private set)
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: cityofjustin.com
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While the set itself isn't open, Justin, Texas, offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere with local parks and family-friendly activities, providing a peaceful contrast to its cinematic chaos. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Building a full-scale town set highlights the filmmakers' dedication to practical effects and realistic environments, preparing for maximum visual impact before digital enhancements.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

    Diving into the world of "Twisters" means exploring not just its thrilling plot but also the incredible journey behind its creation. Filmmakers went to extraordinary lengths to bring these supercell storms to life.

    ๐ŸŽญ Director's Vision

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Location Strategy: Director Lee Isaac Chung insisted on filming in Oklahoma and Texas to leverage the authentic atmosphere and unique weather patterns of Tornado Alley. This commitment brought unparalleled realism to every frame.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Visual Style: Chung aimed for a grounded, immersive visual style, blending grand-scale disaster with intimate human drama. The real landscapes of Oklahoma City and Texas were chosen to enhance this raw, unfiltered aesthetic.
  • ๐ŸŽช Production Highlights

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Reunion of Forces: The production team brought together veteran crew members from the original "Twister" to ensure a deep understanding of the subject matter and the unique challenges of filming storms.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Practical Magic: While CGI is crucial, the film heavily relied on practical effects, including enormous wind machines and water cannons, to create genuine on-set chaos and give actors something real to react to.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Custom-Built Communities: The team constructed entire towns and sections of city streets, meticulously designing them for specific destruction sequences. This allowed for precise control over the devastation.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Weather Wisdom: The cast and crew underwent extensive training and research on meteorology and storm chasing to ensure their performances and technical accuracy were spot-on.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ Cast & Crew Stories

  • ๐Ÿ˜„ Adrenaline Overload: Lead actors reported experiencing true adrenaline rushes during filming due to the intensity of the practical storm effects, making their reactions genuinely authentic.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Logistical Labyrinth: Coordinating large-scale stunts with artificial weather conditions in real urban environments presented immense logistical challenges, requiring military-precision planning.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Authenticity First: The filmmakers prioritized capturing the feeling of actual storm chasing, aiming for sequences that felt less like spectacle and more like a visceral, terrifying reality.
  • ---

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit

    Ready to experience the heart of "Twisters" for yourself? Oklahoma City and its surroundings offer a rich blend of urban excitement and charming small-town appeal. Hereโ€™s how to make the most of your cinematic adventure.

    ๐Ÿจ Where to Stay

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget: Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown - Bricktown - $120-180/night - Located conveniently near many downtown attractions and a short drive from other key areas.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Mid-Range: The Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City - $180-250/night - A historic and elegant hotel offering great amenities and walking distance to the OKC Convention Center.
  • โœจ Luxury: Omni Oklahoma City Hotel - $200-400/night - Right next to the Convention Center, this upscale hotel offers luxurious comfort and stunning city views.
  • ๐Ÿš— Getting Around

  • ๐Ÿš‡ Metro: Oklahoma City has the OKC Streetcar, which connects key downtown areas including the Convention Center, Bricktown, and Automobile Alley, making it easy to hop between filming sites.
  • ๐Ÿš— Car: Renting a car is recommended if you plan to visit locations outside downtown OKC, such as Sanger or Justin, Texas, as public transport options are limited outside the city center. Parking is generally available in downtown garages or metered spots.
  • ๐Ÿšถ Walking: Downtown Oklahoma City is highly walkable, especially within the core areas like Automobile Alley and around the Convention Center. Explore on foot to soak in the atmosphere.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tips

  • ๐ŸŒ… Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for golden hour lighting and fewer crowds at popular downtown spots. Overcast days (fitting for a storm movie!) can also offer diffuse, dramatic light.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Instagram Spots: Capture the string lights of Automobile Alley, the modern facade of the OKC Convention Center, and iconic cityscapes from the Reno/E.K. Gaylord intersection.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Movie Moments: Try to recreate dramatic "storm-chasing" poses (safely, of course!) near iconic landmarks. Use wide-angle lenses to capture the scale of the buildings against the sky.
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    โ“ Quick Answers

    ๐ŸŽฌ Is this based on a true story?

    "Twisters" is a fictional story set in the world of severe weather and storm chasing, but it draws heavily on the real meteorological phenomena and the dedication of real-life storm chasers.

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?

    Visiting the OKC locations (Convention Center, Automobile Alley, Reno/E.K. Gaylord) in one day is feasible. However, Sanger and Justin, Texas, are a significant drive away (1.5-2 hours one way), so a multi-day trip is recommended if you want to see everything.

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ How much should I budget?

    Allow $150-300 per day for a solo traveler, covering mid-range accommodation, meals, and local transportation. Add travel costs for the Texas locations if desired. Many locations are free to explore.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Are there guided tours?

    While specific "Twisters" film location tours may emerge, you can find guided tours of downtown Oklahoma City that cover historical and architectural highlights, including some of the general areas featured in the film.

    ๐ŸŽญ When was this filmed?

    Principal photography for "Twisters" began in May 2023 and continued into late 2023 and early 2024, wrapping up in the first quarter of the year.

    ๐ŸŒ Is Oklahoma City safe for tourists?

    Oklahoma City is generally safe for tourists, especially in busy downtown and entertainment districts. As with any major city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

    "Twisters" doesn't just promise an adrenaline-pumping ride; it invites you to explore the very landscapes that give its story so much visceral power. From the modern urban fabric of Oklahoma City to the authentic charm of small Texas towns, these locations are more than just backdrops. They are silent witnesses to the raw, untamed beauty and destructive force of nature, and the human spirit's resilience.

    So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and prepare to step into the world of high-stakes meteorology. Whether you're a devoted film fan or an intrepid traveler, these real-world filming locations offer a unique blend of cinematic wonder and genuine discovery. Go chase those movie moments!

    Year Released

    2024

    Director

    Lee Isaac Chung

    Filming Locations

    5 locations

    Behind the Scenes

    Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his poignant drama 'Minari,' takes on the high-octane world of 'Twisters,' bringing a fresh perspective to the disaster genre. His vision prioritizes authentic storytelling amidst the chaos, focusing on character-driven narratives while delivering breathtaking visual spectacle. The production team ingeniously blended practical effects with state-of-the-art CGI to create unprecedentedly realistic storm sequences, making the tornadoes feel like palpable characters themselves. This approach ensured that the film paid homage to its predecessor while forging its own path as a standalone cinematic event.

    • Twisters is a standalone story within the Twister universe, not a direct sequel.
    • Filming extensively covered Oklahoma City, integrating real urban landscapes.
    • The production built massive practical sets, including a complete town square, to enhance authenticity.
    • One of the film's goals was to make the tornadoes feel like living entities.
    • The movie incorporates groundbreaking storm-chasing technology and research.
    • Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) stars, bringing his dynamic energy to the storm-chasing crew.
    • Director Lee Isaac Chung immersed himself in weather phenomena research for the film.
    • The film utilized special 'rotating camera' rigs to simulate the vortex experience.
    • Several scenes required hundreds of extras and complex stunt work.
    • The movie was filmed during peak tornado season in the real Tornado Alley.
    • Set pieces were designed to be partially destructible for realistic tornado impacts.
    • The film aims to be one of the most visually stunning disaster movies ever made.

    Location Gallery

    OKC Convention Center

    OKC Convention Center

    Automobile Alley

    Automobile Alley

    Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord

    Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord

    Bolivar Street, Sanger, Texas

    Bolivar Street, Sanger, Texas

    Town square set, Justin, Texas

    Town square set, Justin, Texas

    Travel Tips

    • Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.

    • Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.

    • Guided tours are available that cover OKC Convention Center, Automobile Alley, Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord in one day.

    Filming Locations

    Discover all 5 locations where ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Twisters Filmed? Complete Oklahoma City Location Guide was filmed

    View Locations

    Interactive Location Map

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    Explore all 5 filming locations on the interactive map above. Click on markers for details.

    Filming Locations

    Map of OKC Convention Center
    1

    OKC Convention Center

    Modern convention center in downtown Oklahoma City, featured in high-action scenes.

    LAT 35.46780, LNG -97.51330
    Directions
    Map of Automobile Alley
    2

    Automobile Alley

    Historic commercial district in Oklahoma City known for its revitalized buildings and vibrant nightlife.

    LAT 35.47460, LNG -97.51470
    Directions
    Map of Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord
    3

    Near Reno and E.K. Gaylord

    Key downtown Oklahoma City intersection, crucial for intense urban storm sequences.

    LAT 35.46780, LNG -97.51640
    Directions
    Map of Bolivar Street, Sanger, Texas
    4

    Bolivar Street, Sanger, Texas

    Small-town Texas street that likely portrayed a community under threat from severe weather.

    LAT 33.32920, LNG -97.17290
    Directions
    Map of Town square set, Justin, Texas
    5

    Town square set, Justin, Texas

    Specially constructed set for a quintessential small-town atmosphere, used for large-scale destruction.

    LAT 33.06450, LNG -97.31950
    Directions

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