The ties between the Natural State and three summer blockbusters

<br />

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – If you’ve been to the movies lately to escape the heat and see one of the new summer blockbusters, chances are you’ve noticed references to the Natural State.

While none of the current theater options are set in Arkansas or feature actors from that state, there are undeniable ties.

One of the most anticipated films of this summer is Twisters, which features a number of references to the Natural State, including lead character Tyler Owens, who is reportedly from Arkansas.

Although no city of origin was mentioned, Owens’ entrance was announced by the cover of Charley Crockett “(Ghost)riders in the sky”a single also recorded by Johnny Cash blared through a speaker. Later in the film, the song “Arkansas” by Chris Stapleton was also used as the soundtrack.

Jeff Nichols, writer/director of “The Bikeriders,” shows off his jersey during the film’s premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Jeff Nichols, writer/director of “The Bikeriders,” poses at the film’s premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

This image, released by Neon, shows Maika Monroe in a scene from “Longlegs.” (Neon via AP)

This image, released by Neon, shows Blair Underwood in a scene from “Longlegs.” (Neon via AP)

Glen Powell poses for photographers as he arrives at the premiere of the film ‘Twisters’ in London on Monday, July 8, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

This image, released by Universal Pictures, shows Brandon Perea, from left, Harry Hadden-Paton and Glen Powell in a scene from “Twisters.” (Universal Pictures via AP)

Director Lee Isaac Chung poses for photographers as he arrives at the premiere of the film ‘Twisters’ in London on Monday, July 8, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

The connection between “Twisters” and the state of Arkansas makes sense because of the experiences of director Lee Isaac Chung, who grew up in Lincoln and attended Lincoln High School.

“I grew up in Arkansas – northwest Arkansas. And I remember when that (‘Twister,’ the 1996 blockbuster) came out, we were all used to tornadoes. We kind of grew up with it,” Chung said in a interview with NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Another reference to Arkansas can be found in the movie “Longlegs,” a horror film starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. While there are no specific references to the state, it’s hard not to notice that there’s a giant portrait of Bill Clinton whenever the characters are in FBI agent Carter’s office.

And if you haven’t seen Little Rock director Jeff Nichols’ “The Bikeriders,” there’s still time to catch it in theaters in the Natural State or on-demand at home. The film, which officially opened on June 21, grossed $20.5 million in the U.S. and Canada and $12.1 million in other territories, for a total of $32.6 million.

Nichols, who also directed the films Mud and Midnight Special, previewed the film in October at the Arkansas Cinema Society’s Filmland 2023 festival in Little Rock.