The standalone sequel 'Twisters,' directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell, has shattered expectations with an $80.5 million domestic opening weekend and a global total of $123.2 million. Initially projected to earn between $40 million and $50 million, the film's success marks a record-breaking opening for any natural disaster film. 'Twisters' benefitted from strong domestic turnout, particularly in the heartland of the U.S., and positive word-of-mouth, reflected in its 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film's nostalgic pull from the 1996 original 'Twister' and a country music-heavy soundtrack featuring Luke Combs have aided its box office performance. The film will face competition from the upcoming 'Deadpool and Wolverine' release but has already cemented its place as one of the year's top openings.