Tom Cruise: More than three decades after he first took the wheel in Days of Thunder, Tom Cruise is reportedly in discussions with Paramount Pictures about starring in a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR classic. This potential revival of Days of Thunder could give fans a chance to see Cruise return as Cole Trickle, the daring, up-and-coming race car driver who captivated audiences with his thrilling journey through NASCAR.
According to sources, Cruise is in the early stages of talks with Paramount, although the studio has not yet provided official confirmation, and details about the storyline remain under wraps. The original film, directed by Tony Scott, not only became iconic for its high-octane racing sequences but also introduced Cruise to Nicole Kidman, marking the beginning of both their professional and personal partnership. The two went on to star together in Far and Away and Eyes Wide Shut and were married for over a decade.
Days of Thunder was scripted by renowned writer Robert Towne from a story developed by Cruise himself, with Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer producing. The film’s stellar cast included Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, and Michael Rooker, who played pivotal roles alongside Cruise. Despite mixed reviews upon release, the film earned a strong following over the years, becoming a cult favorite among NASCAR fans.
The potential sequel may be bolstered by NASCAR’s own interest in reaching broader audiences. In February, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell shared that the organization would be open to supporting another Days of Thunder movie, particularly after Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick achieved massive box office success in 2021. NASCAR, which recently saw a surge in popularity through the Netflix docuseries Full Speed, recognizes that a new Days of Thunder could drive even greater visibility for the sport.
Cruise, who continues to thrive as one of Hollywood’s top action stars, is already preparing for several major projects. He is set to star in an untitled Alejandro G. Iñárritu film for Warner Bros. and another space-bound project with director Doug Liman. With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two slated for release in May 2025, the return of Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder could mark yet another thrilling chapter in Cruise’s celebrated career.
