Days of Thunder 2 moving forward with Tom Cruise set to return for sequel film
Paramount is moving forward with a sequel to the 1990 racing film Days of Thunder. Tom Cruise is set to return to the project, which will see him co-produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer. The duo recently collaborated on the high-profile film F1, and production for this new project is currently scheduled for early 2027.
While details on the plot remain quiet, Will Staples is working on the script. Director Jonathan Levine is in talks to take the lead on the production. The move comes as interest in racing-focused dramas has increased following the box office performance of recent motorsport-themed movies.
Industry figures, including the late NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, provided input on the film's outline during early development. The production team visited various race shops to ensure the story maintains a grounded, serious tone. This focus on realism is a point of interest for current NASCAR drivers who want the sport represented with authenticity on the big screen.
Jeff Gordon, a long-time friend of Cruise, reportedly discussed the project with the actor. The sequel aims to mirror the success of Top Gun: Maverick, another legacy project that returned to the screen decades after its original debut. Fans and industry experts wait to see how the new story will evolve for modern audiences.