Tom Cruise is once again revving his engines, as the megastar enters early negotiations to bring a follow-up to his 1990 NASCAR drama, 'Days of Thunder,' back to the big screen.
- Nov 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - After the monumental success of "Top Gun: Maverick," Tom Cruise could be taking another nostalgic ride, this time on a NASCAR racetrack. The action icon is currently in early discussions with Paramount Pictures about a sequel to "Days of Thunder," his 1990 racing film which originally struggled at the box office but has since garnered a dedicated fanbase.
The original film, directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, featured Cruise as Cole Trickle, a brash rookie stock car driver navigating the high-speed world of NASCAR. The movie also marked the Hollywood debut of Nicole Kidman, whom Cruise met on set and later married for 11 years.
While no creative team has been confirmed for the sequel, it's a busy time for Cruise, who has a full schedule. He is set to promote "Mission: Impossible 8," and film Alejandro G. Iñárritu's next project, along with developing another "Top Gun" movie. Sources close to Cruise indicate that the star's involvement will hinge on the strength of the script, which he has approval rights over.
"He's talking to Paramount about Top Gun and Days of Thunder," shared a source familiar with the discussions. "It's going to be what comes together first in terms of a script. It depends on the idea and, ultimately, the script."
Racing films have enjoyed a resurgence recently, with titles like "Ford v Ferrari" and the forthcoming "F1" starring Brad Pitt, increasing interest in the genre. Despite the challenges posed by this crowded market, the distinct American flair of NASCAR offers a unique angle for the "Days of Thunder" sequel.
Paramount insiders seem cautiously optimistic, drawing parallels between the potential sequel and the once dubious notion of revisiting "Top Gun." "You might have said that revisiting Top Gun was a terrible idea. I wouldn't discount it," remarked one source.
While fans may have to wait a while before seeing "Days of Thunder 2," the prospect of Tom Cruise returning to the racetrack is an exciting one. With his knack for combining thrilling action and compelling storytelling, Cruise might just have another runaway hit on his hands.
