DeKalb GA News

Lee Isaac Chung, director of the film "Twisters," is shifting his stance on the climate-change narrative associated with his movie. Initially, during a promotional tour, Chung was reported by The Hollywood Reporter as advocating for the film to serve as a platform for climate-change awareness.

The sequel to the 1996 film "Twister" features scientists attempting to mitigate tornado damage. The movie was initially perceived as promoting climate-change activism, with Chung reportedly expressing enthusiasm about using Hollywood's influence positively in this context. He stated, “Anytime Hollywood is doing anything with climate change, I think we have to stay positive and let people have fun,” and emphasized inspiring audiences to be better caretakers of the planet.

However, Chung has recently distanced himself from these earlier statements. In an interview with CNN, he clarified that he did not intend for "Twisters" to convey any specific message. “I just wanted to make sure that with the movie, we don’t ever feel like (it) is putting forward any message,” he explained. He further expressed that cinema should reflect the world rather than preach messages.

This recent position contrasts sharply with his previous remarks highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter. The outlet noted its surprise at the absence of a direct climate-change narrative in "Twisters," questioning whether it reflected studio caution amid polarized times.

Currently showing in theaters, "Twisters" joins other films like Disney’s “Inside Out 2” in avoiding overt activist themes.