Director Jonathan Levine, known for his work on "50/50" and "Warm Bodies," is in discussions to direct the sequel to the 1990 Tom Cruise racing drama "Days of Thunder," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Cruise is attached to reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle and is also producing the film alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original with the late Don Simpson.
"Days of Thunder 2" is reportedly being eyed as Cruise's next production. While details regarding the plot remain scarce, screenwriter Will Staples, who has writing credits on "Call of Duty 3: Modern Warfare" and "Without Remorse," has penned the script. Staples previously worked with Cruise on a rewrite for "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation."
The original "Days of Thunder" reunited Cruise with director Tony Scott, following their collaboration on "Top Gun." The film featured a notable cast including Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Michael Rooker, John C. Reilly, Cary Elwes, and Randy Quaid, with a musical score by Hans Zimmer. The success of recent racing films and Cruise's own legacy sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" suggests a potential opportune moment for "Days of Thunder 2." This follows Paramount's confirmation of a sequel to "Top Gun: Maverick," slated for a 2026 release.