A high-octane sequel to Days of Thunder is officially in motion, with Tom Cruise returning to the wheel and producer Jerry Bruckheimer promising a “phenomenal” ride.
Tom Cruise is getting back behind the wheel — literally and cinematically. After years of fan speculation and a well-timed 35th anniversary post from the star himself, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has now confirmed that a sequel to the cult classic Days of Thunder is underway. The 1990 NASCAR-fueled drama helped define Cruise’s early action persona, and now it’s making a roaring comeback — turbocharged with new technology, big ideas, and that signature Bruckheimer-Cruise adrenaline.
It’s no longer just talk. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Bruckheimer said the sequel will lean into the modern racing scene, hinting at fresh innovations in film technology and storytelling. Cruise, he added, is “full of phenomenal ideas” — and it seems like this project is one of them.
A Throwback Photo, Then a Greenlight
The sequel buzz got serious last week when Cruise posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), remembering the late director Tony Scott and marking 35 years since they shot Days of Thunder.
It wasn’t just a sentimental nod. That post set off sirens — the good kind. Fans and industry insiders alike read it as a soft-launch teaser for a long-anticipated sequel. Turns out, they were right.
That same week, Bruckheimer, who’s also behind the upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt, confirmed to ET that Days of Thunder 2 is no longer just wishful thinking.
Revisiting Cole Trickle in a New Era
Cruise originally played hotshot driver Cole Trickle, a character loosely inspired by real-life NASCAR legends. The first film had all the trappings of a ‘90s blockbuster — high-speed drama, fiery crashes, and a romance subplot with Nicole Kidman.
But the sequel? It’s expected to go deeper.
Not just a nostalgia ride, this next chapter could explore how Trickle, now decades older, fits into a NASCAR world dominated by younger, data-driven drivers and electric engines. Think Top Gun: Maverick — but with more left turns and pit stops.
New Cars, New Tech, Same Tom
Bruckheimer didn’t go into specifics on the script, but he teased that fresh filming technologies would play a big role. Cruise, known for doing his own stunts, might once again be driving the actual cars.
That’s not just studio PR. On the original Days of Thunder, Cruise famously trained as a real race car driver and even competed in professional events. It wouldn’t be surprising if he took to the track again — this time with better cameras and even more horsepower.
And it sounds like Cruise is all in. Bruckheimer’s praise was unequivocal: “Tom is such a great individual. Comes up with phenomenal ideas.” That’s producer-speak for: he’s probably already written half the script on his own jet.
NASCAR Is Watching Closely
The sport itself has changed since 1990. NASCAR, once a Southern-rooted motorsport, has gone international, tech-heavy, and social media-savvy.
Which makes Days of Thunder 2 a marketing goldmine — and a storytelling challenge.
• How do you capture today’s high-tech racing world with the soul of an old-school rivalry?
• Will the film tap into real-life drama, like the rise of electric racecars or the shifting demographics in the sport?
If Cruise’s Top Gun sequel is any indication, the movie might just blend the old-school swagger with a brand-new racing metaverse.
Racing, Streaming, or Both?
Another question: will it hit theaters or go straight to streaming?
With Cruise’s loyalty to theatrical releases — he reportedly held back Top Gun: Maverick for over a year during the pandemic to avoid a streaming drop — don’t expect this one to debut on Netflix.
It’s likely being teed up for a massive box office release. Maybe even IMAX. After all, Bruckheimer doesn’t do small — and Cruise definitely doesn’t do quiet.
From Daytona to the Oscars?
It’s worth noting that sports films, especially ones grounded in nostalgia, have been on an awards-season upswing. Think Ford v Ferrari, or even Rush. With the right script and some human drama, Days of Thunder 2 could — dare we say — race into prestige territory.
Don’t be surprised if this isn’t just about fast cars and explosions. There might be something more under the hood.
What We Know So Far (and What We Don’t)
Here’s a snapshot of where things stand:
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Sequel confirmed? | Yes |
| Tom Cruise attached? | Yes |
| Director? | Not announced |
| Storyline? | In development |
| Release timeline? | TBD |
| NASCAR involvement? | Expected |
Bruckheimer said they’re still early in the process, but this isn’t just smoke. There’s a real engine running here.
