Tom Cruise is now in early talks with Paramount to explore a sequel to his 1990 NASCAR drama Days of Thunder. This initiative comes amidst a surge in Cruise’s career, highlighted by his recent successes with Top Gun: Maverick and ongoing major projects like Top Gun 3 and Mission: Impossible 8.
Despite the original Days of Thunder receiving mixed reviews and achieving moderate box office success upon its release, grossing US$157 million worldwide against a budget of US$60 million, Cruise is interested in revisiting the character of hotshot racer Cole Trickle in the high-octane world of NASCAR.
With the guidance of veteran crew chief Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall, The Godfather) in the original film, Cole navigates the pressures of the sport and a fierce rivalry with fellow driver Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker, Tombstone). After a devastating crash leaves them both injured, Cole and Rowdy form an unlikely friendship. Fuelled by his relationship with Dr. Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge!), Cole makes a comeback, battling his way back to the top and ultimately facing off against the ruthless Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes, The Princess Bride) in the Daytona 500.
The possibility of a sequel comes as somewhat unexpected. Days of Thunder does not carry the same level of nostalgic admiration as some of Cruise’s other ventures, such as the Top Gun series. However, the astounding success of Top Gun: Maverick, which became the second-highest grossing movie of 2022 and the biggest of Cruise’s career, demonstrates the potential box office draw of Cruise-led sequels.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, discussions about the sequel are still in the preliminary stages, with Paramount actively searching for writers. The script’s quality and Cruise’s packed schedule will be crucial in determining his final involvement in the project.
As of now, Top Gun 3 remains a top priority for Cruise and Paramount, indicating that any development on the Days of Thunder sequel would not overshadow the continuation of the Top Gun saga. Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible 8 is well underway, boasting a staggering budget nearing US$400 million and set for a 2025 release.
The potential sequel to Days of Thunder is speculated to delve deeper into the life and career of Cole Trickle, though specific plot details remain under wraps. As Hollywood continues to capitalise on the revival of classic films, the success of Days of Thunder 2 will largely depend on the nostalgia factor and Cruise’s ability to draw audiences to theatres. Given Cruise’s track record with sequels and reboots, the resurrection of Cole Trickle’s story could well be another thrilling ride.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
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