After the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise is reportedly in early talks with Paramount to revive another of his iconic action films, Days of Thunder. Released in 1990, Days of Thunder explored the high-octane world of NASCAR racing through the story of Cole Trickle, a brash, young driver who rises through the ranks with determination and grit. Sources close to the project indicate that discussions are ongoing. Tom Cruise is keen to return to the racetrack and reunite with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who also helped bring Top Gun: Maverick to life.
The original Days of Thunder was a collaborative effort between Cruise and legendary director Tony Scott, with Bruckheimer and the late Don Simpson producing. The film received mixed reviews and moderate box-office success at the time, grossing $157.9 million globally. However, the film has grown in popularity over the years, gaining a loyal following among NASCAR fans and action enthusiasts. Beyond his role as Cole Trickle, Days of Thunder marked a personal milestone for Cruise, as he received his first screenwriting credit, co-developing the story with Robert Towne. On this film set, Cruise also met his future wife, Nicole Kidman, who made her Hollywood debut as neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki.
With racing-themed films back in vogue, such as Ford v Ferrari and the forthcoming Formula 1 movie with Brad Pitt directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, a Days of Thunder sequel could tap into a market eager for high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled stories. Given Cruise’s dedication to authenticity and realism, fans may expect him to push the boundaries of on-screen racing action, potentially involving real NASCAR tracks and cars, much like the intense aerial dogfights in Top Gun: Maverick.
However, Cruise’s packed schedule means that a sequel to Days of Thunder is still some way off. He’s currently promoting Mission: Impossible 8and is set to start filming a new project with Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Additionally, he’s rumoured to be in development for another Top Gun project. For now, Cruise’s talks with Paramount mark only the beginning of a possible Days of Thunder revival.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has a long-standing partnership with Cruise, has also been involved in preliminary discussions about returning for the sequel. Bruckheimer’s extensive experience with action films could bring fresh energy to Days of Thunder’s comeback, with the potential for updated race scenes, cutting-edge cinematography, and a renewed look into NASCAR culture.
Although official details and casting have yet to be announced, Tom Cruise’s potential to once again step into the role of Cole Trickle has generated excitement. For fans of racing and action films, this project could combine nostalgia with the latest in filmmaking technology, promising a heart-pounding, engine-roaring sequel that Cruise fans will eagerly await.
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