Is Tom Cruise eyeing a Days of Thunder sequel? Everything you need to know about the blockbuster's potential NASCAR continuation
Talk of a sequel of Tom Cruise's much anticipated NASCAR-based movie Days of Thunder sequel with the former cast is gathering momentum. Cruise is in early talks with Paramount Pictures regarding a return as the star of the sequel. After the success of Top Gun: Maverick, the actor has shown interest in continuing the racing movie franchise more than three decades after the release of the first movie.
There have been multiple NASCAR-based movies made over the years, including "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Racing Dreams," and there has also been a Netflix documentary, "NASCAR: Full Speed." But none of them have been able to match the renown and the love that Tom Cruise's Days of Thunder received from fans.
"Days of Thunder" was released in 1990 and grossed over $82 million domestically and $75 million internationally, making it one of the most successful motorsports movies of all time. The movie was shot on two well-known tracks, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Daytona International.
After the success of car-racing movies like "Ford vs. Ferrari," Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have grown interested in making a sequel for the movie. The production team is seeking potential writers for the script of the Days of Thunder sequel.
A studio insider shared some key points about Crusie's discussion with Paramount Pictures. He said (via Hollywood Reporter.com):
"He’s talking [to Paramount] about Top Gun and Days of Thunder. It’s going to be what comes together first in terms of a script. It depends on the idea and, ultimately, the script.”
The 62-year-old actor has a packed schedule for the time being, and he is working on his fan-favorite movie series Mission Impossible, so perhaps the sequel to the movie may be far off.
Other notable NASCAR movies for the fans of the sports
NASCAR has a rich history like any other sport, and filmmakers often make movies based on the iconic highlights of the sport. The fans also adore NASCAR's movies, and here are some notable movies you might recognize.
Stoker Ace (1983)
Released in 1983 by Motion Picture, the movie featured Burt Reynolds as a NASCAR champion in his prime having a hard time landing sponsors. The movie is an action-comedy and is seen by many as one of the most accurate representations of sports.
The Last American Hero (1973)
The movie was based on the true story of a stock car racing driver Junior Johnson. Actor Jeff Bridges played the role of Johnson who quits his moonshine business and starts competing in stock car racing events in the film.
CARS (2006)
The movie was produced by one of the biggest animation companies, Disney PIXAR. The movie revolves around a NASCAR rookie named Lighting McQueen racing his rookie year in the Piston Cup and the hardships he faces. There are three movies in the CARS series, and there are some rumors about the fourth part of the movie.
Talladega Nights (2006)
Talladega Nights is a sports comedy movie that portrays the world of stock car racing. William Ferrel played the lead role of the character Ricky Bobby in a role that mixed realism with satire, keeping the fans engaged in the sport.
Days of Thunder (1990)
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's Days of Thunder is often regarded as one of the best NASCAR movies of all time. Cruise played the role of Cole Trickle, and the plot revolves around the rookie driver's struggles to focus on his competitiveness while also tending to his romantic life.