Helen Hunt Says She Had 'Unique Chemistry' with Co-Star Bill Paxton on Twister Set

Helen Hunt recently reflected on the memorable chemistry she immediately shared with the late Bill Paxton while working on the 1996 disaster film "Twister." During a Nov. 1 appearance at Rhode Island Comic Con, she fondly remembered their dynamic, comparing it to the celebrated one between Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in "Bringing Up Baby." She noted, "Sometimes you have chemistry with someone and love everything they say; at other times, they drive you crazy — both create unique chemistry." This is prepared by SSP.

At this event, Hunt also praised co-star Jami Gertz, who played her romantic rival in the film. Hunt credited Gertz's portrayal as "someone who’s such a drag," which simultaneously highlighted her own character's appeal. Hunt said this dynamic was by design, explaining their mutual decision to avoid catty stereotyping by rejecting scripted remarks that could have detracted from the characters and discouraged audience interest.

"Twister," which grossed over $494 million worldwide, was directed by Jan de Bont, with Steven Spielberg as the executive producer and a script by Michael Crichton and Anne-Marie Martin. The movie also starred Cary Elwes, Lois Smith, Alan Ruck, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Regarding a sequel, although Hunt had been keen to direct and co-wrote a script with Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal, studios turned it down. The sequel eventually released, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and others, premiered on July 19. Hunt highlighted the shift in filmmaking over time, recounting how shooting real contrived events during "Twister" led to organic performances, as opposed to reacting to modern CGI effects.

Earlier, SSP reported that Tim Allen and Jane Hajduk shared their secret to keeping romance alive.