NASCAR fans, hold onto your helmets—Tom Cruise is officially bringing back Cole Trickle. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday that a sequel to the 1990 classic Days of Thunder is finally in the works, and the internet is already in overdrive.
For years, fans have been begging for a follow-up to the film that blended high-octane racing with Cruise’s signature charisma. And now, their prayers have been answered. Jonathan Levine, known for Warm Bodies and 50/50, is set to direct, with Cruise reprising his role as the fiery NASCAR driver. The news has sparked a wave of excitement across the racing community, with many hoping this sequel will capture the same magic as Top Gun: Maverick.
“I genuinely cannot believe this is actually in the works,” one fan posted on social media. “Hopefully it’s as well executed as the F1 movie.” Another added, “I think it’s big for NASCAR. Tom Cruise is not going to make it a joke like Talladega Nights.” The enthusiasm is palpable, and it’s clear that Cruise’s involvement has elevated expectations.
Last year, Cruise teased the possibility of a sequel while promoting Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. “It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick, so all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing [sequels to] Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick,” he said. “There’s numerous other films that we’re actively working on right now.” Now, those discussions have become a reality.
As of now, only Cruise and Levine are officially attached to the project. It remains unclear if original cast members Nicole Kidman and Cary Elwes will return. However, rumors have swirled about a potential crossover with Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film. When asked about the idea last summer, Pitt joked, “Well, I’m not gonna hang my [expletive] off airplanes and [expletive] like that. So when he does something again that’s on the ground.” Could we see Pitt in the sequel? Only time will tell.
The original Days of Thunder hit theaters in 1990 and became a cult classic, capturing the thrill of NASCAR racing. This sequel arrives at a perfect time, as the sport continues to grow in popularity. In fact, NASCAR's Prime Video gamble pays off as ratings rev up, showing that the sport’s fanbase is stronger than ever. A Tom Cruise-led sequel could be the perfect catalyst to bring even more eyes to the track.
Of course, not everything in NASCAR has been smooth sailing recently. The sport has faced its share of controversies, including NASCAR's fury over the ESPYS snub for Kyle Busch. But a blockbuster movie featuring one of Hollywood’s biggest stars is exactly the kind of positive buzz the sport needs.
As for production, Cruise is currently juggling multiple projects, including a film with Alejandro Iñárritu. But with Days of Thunder 2 now officially greenlit, fans can start counting down the days until they see Cole Trickle back on the track. The question is: will this sequel live up to the hype? If Cruise’s track record with legacy sequels is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.
