Tom Cruise Confirms “We’re Doing ‘Days of Thunder 2’”

Tom Cruise had only cryptically addressed the possibility of a “Days of Thunder” sequel, limiting himself to saying that he was “thinking and talking” to Paramount about revisiting 1990 Nascar-set movie, depending on landing the right story and script first.

The sequel might finally be on the way. NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon told an audience yesterday that, longtime friend, Cruise told him over the weekend that it’s definitely happening (via Road and Track).

I mean, all I can say is, I've known Tom [Cruise] for many years, and was on set this past year for Mission: Impossible, and then I went to the premiere. And the first words out of his mouth is, 'We're doing it. We’re doing “Days of Thunder 2.

This is a rather odd idea for a sequel, isn’t it? “Days of Thunder” was critically panned, grossed $157M globally, and hasn’t necessarily gained a large following — although NASCAR fans might really like it? Then again, look at what Cruise did with “Top Gun: Maverick.” Anything is possible, and I bet the actor believes lightning can strike twice again for him with another modernized sequel.

The ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel is currently being written, and the search for a director is ongoing. The late Tony Scott directed the original 1990 film.

It’s yet another project being added to Cruise’s ever-expanding roster of potential films. The actor has quite a few in the works, including Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s next film, Christopher McQuarrie’s “Broadsword,” Joseph Kosinski’s “Top Gun 3,” and Doug Liman’s “Deeper.”

There have been plenty of racing films these last few years, and a ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel wouldn’t be out of the ordinary in terms of its commercial prospects; Joseph Kosinski’s “F1,” starring Brad Pitt, is coming out soon, but that one is skewed more towards F1 racing, whereas ‘Days of Thunder’ would likely adhere to the millions upon millions of NASCAR fans in the U.S.

“Days of Thunder” tackled the rivarly between hotshot rookie Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) and veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). When both of them are seriously injured in competition, the former bitter rivals become close friends.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who also happens to be the ‘Top Gun’ producer will be back for the ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel which had originally been pitched to Cruise as a TV show for Paramount+ (Cruise nixed the idea).