Tom Cruise’s Next Big Project: Sequel to His 1990 Classic Officially in the Works

NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, now vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, recently dropped big news about a sequel to the 1990 racing classic Days of Thunder. Speaking about the project, Gordon shared that Tom Cruise, the star of the original film, is eager to make it happen.

“I mean, all I can say is … I’ve known Tom [Cruise] for many years, and was on set this past year for Mission: Impossible, and then I went to the premiere. And the first word out of his mouth is, ‘We’re doing it. We’re doing Days of Thunder 2,’” Gordon said with a laugh.

The original Days of Thunder had a major impact on NASCAR, drawing new fans in the 1990s with its thrilling race scenes and Hans Zimmer’s iconic score. Directed by Tony Scott, the film starred Cruise as Cole Trickle, a character loosely based on real-life drivers Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine.

Though critics were mixed on the story, audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore, and it left a lasting mark. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer reflected in 2024, saying, “[It] was a terrific film. Tom was great in it.” Even filmmaker Quentin Tarantino praised it, calling it his favorite big-budget racing movie and saying, “To me Days of Thunder is the movie Grand Prix and Le Mans should have been.”

Gordon believes a sequel could spark similar excitement for NASCAR today. He emphasized that Hendrick Motorsports, which played a key role in the original, is ready to back the new film. “Hendrick Motorsports played a big role in the first Days of Thunder, and we’d love to do the same in this one,” he said.

The first movie included real NASCAR drivers and moments inspired by actual events, like a scene drawn from a 1980s meeting between Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Geoff Bodine, set up by Bill France Jr. Another scene, where Cole Trickle blows his engine by overpushing, mirrored a real incident from Tim Richmond’s 1987 race at Michigan.

While Days of Thunder wasn’t a true story, it captured the spirit of NASCAR’s rivalries and passion. After Tony Scott’s passing in 2012, some critics noted the film’s influence on American cinema, marking a shift in how studios collaborated with directors and producers. With Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports’ support, Days of Thunder 2 aims to bring fresh energy to the sport and its fans.

The idea of Days of Thunder 2 is thrilling for both NASCAR and movie fans. The original film made racing feel electric, and a sequel could introduce a new generation to the sport. Tom Cruise’s involvement and Hendrick Motorsports’ backing give it serious potential, but it’ll need to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas to avoid feeling like a rehash.

I’m curious to see how they update the story for today’s audience. What do you think about a Days of Thunder sequel? Will it live up to the original? Share your thoughts in the comments below!