The recent Formula One movie featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris enjoyed a strong opening weekend at the box office, sparking buzz about another racing film on the horizon—Days of Thunder 2, a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR classic starring Tom Cruise. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who also worked on the successful F1 film, Days of Thunder recently marked its 35th anniversary and remains beloved among NASCAR fans today. The possibility of a sequel seems increasingly real, with both Cruise and Bruckheimer discussing active development and ongoing work on the project.
Cruise, who famously played NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in the original, hinted at multiple projects in progress, including talks about Days of Thunder 2 alongside Top Gun: Maverick. Bruckheimer, in interviews with Entertainment Tonight and The Rich Eisen Show, confirmed that they are still exploring ideas for the sequel, with script development underway. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon also mentioned the sequel is in the works, revealing conversations about Days of Thunder 2 during the premiere of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning.
Adding to the excitement, Joseph Kosinski, director of the new F1 film, teased a possible crossover between Brad Pitt’s character Sonny Hayes and Tom Cruise’s Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder 2. The original Days of Thunder had a production budget of around $60 million and earned over $150 million globally, highlighting its success and potential for a strong follow-up.
Fan Take: This news excites NASCAR fans as it revives a beloved classic and could bring renewed mainstream attention to the sport through Hollywood. A sequel to Days of Thunder might not only captivate longtime enthusiasts but also attract a new generation of fans, potentially boosting NASCAR’s popularity and cultural relevance.
