Daisy Edgar-Jones, the breakout star of the summer blockbuster “Twisters,” is capturing the limelight and gaining comparisons to iconic Hollywood figures like Julia Roberts. This shift comes as Edgar-Jones, who has already made significant waves with her role in the disaster film, is now seen as the next major star to light up Hollywood's A-list.
The journey to this new spotlight began on July 14, during the final stretch of Universal Pictures' promotional campaign for “Twisters.” In a seemingly spontaneous moment, Edgar-Jones, who portrays the film’s heroine, orchestrated an impromptu dance session with her co-stars, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos, to Charli XCX’s “Apple.” This fun, viral dance clip, shared on her Instagram, garnered nearly 10 million views, while Ramos’ TikTok version soared to 18 million. The dance, unplanned by studio executives, showcased Edgar-Jones’ instinctive grasp of modern marketing and her natural charisma.
Universal's Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Moses, praised Edgar-Jones for her authentic approach to promotion. He highlighted her enthusiasm and willingness to engage directly with audiences, noting her efforts in unconventional promotional activities such as shopping for cowboy boots in Dallas and joining a beer chugging contest with Luke Combs. Her genuine engagement helped “Twisters” achieve an impressive $81 million opening in the U.S. and Canada, marking the highest domestic debut in the natural disaster genre.
Edgar-Jones, already recognized for her role in “Where the Crawdads Sing” and the critically acclaimed series “Normal People,” is now positioning herself as a new kind of leading lady. Her rise parallels a trend in Hollywood where younger actresses like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are becoming major players. Edgar-Jones embodies a refreshing blend of accessibility and star power reminiscent of ’90s icons like Roberts and Sandra Bullock.
Before landing her role in “Twisters,” Edgar-Jones was already on director Lee Isaac Chung’s radar. Her proactive approach, including sending a thoughtful letter to Chung and engaging deeply with the film's script, left a strong impression. This level of dedication, combined with support from industry heavyweights like Steven Spielberg, solidified her place in the film.
Her promotional savvy extended beyond traditional media. Edgar-Jones embraced social media, rapidly growing her Instagram following to 2.3 million. Her use of TikTok-friendly clips and personal engagement in the film’s marketing strategy set her apart in a landscape where social media presence can make or break a film’s success.
Looking forward, Edgar-Jones is exploring a variety of new roles, from romantic comedies to thrillers, and discussions about a “Twisters” sequel are already on the horizon. Director Chung has noted her comedic talent, suggesting that she could bring a humorous flair to future projects.
Daisy Edgar-Jones is more than just a rising star; she’s a dynamic force in Hollywood, blending traditional star appeal with modern marketing savvy. As she continues to build her career, she might very well forge her own unique path, rather than simply stepping into the shoes of past legends.
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