A sequel to Days of Thunder is gathering momentum, with Paramount reportedly closing in on a director for the long-awaited follow-up to the iconic 1990 NASCAR film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jonathan Levine is in talks to direct the project, bringing the movie another step closer to production.
Tom Cruise is already attached to reprise his role as Cole Trickle while also producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original film. If negotiations are completed, the sequel is expected to become Cruise’s next major production.
The project arrives as Hollywood continues to embrace big-budget racing films following the success of Top Gun: Maverick and the recent popularity of Formula 1-inspired movies. While NASCAR may not have Formula 1’s international audience, the combination of Cruise, Bruckheimer, and a recognizable franchise gives Paramount plenty of reasons to revisit the property.
Story details remain tightly guarded, but with a director potentially coming aboard, development appears to be accelerating after years of speculation about whether a sequel would ever happen.
Jonathan Levine Is Reportedly in Talks to Direct
The Hollywood Reporter says Jonathan Levine is negotiating to direct the sequel for Paramount Pictures. While he hasn’t previously directed a major motorsports film, his résumé spans multiple genres, including comedies, dramas, horror, and sports-focused projects.
Levine’s upcoming football drama, Mr. Irrelevant, reportedly impressed Paramount during early test screenings, giving the studio confidence that he can handle another large-scale production. If a deal is finalized, he’ll inherit one of the most recognizable racing movies of the 1990s.
The screenplay has reportedly been written by Will Staples, whose previous work includes Without Remorse as well as writing credits in the Call of Duty video game franchise.
Neither Paramount nor Cruise has revealed plot details, leaving fans to speculate about whether the sequel will continue Cole Trickle’s story or introduce a new generation of NASCAR drivers.
Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer Are Returning
Cruise has reportedly been developing the sequel since the success of Top Gun: Maverick, a film that demonstrated audiences remain eager for legacy follow-ups featuring the actor. Jerry Bruckheimer is also returning as producer, reuniting the pair behind another one of Cruise’s best-known action films.
The original Days of Thunder debuted in 1990 and reunited Cruise with director Tony Scott following the success of Top Gun. Cruise starred as ambitious NASCAR driver Cole Trickle alongside Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Cary Elwes, Randy Quaid, and Michael Rooker.
Although critics were lukewarm at the time, the movie developed a loyal following over the years. Its memorable racing scenes and quotable dialogue helped cement its place as one of the defining automotive films of its era.
Robert Duvall’s return appears unlikely following his retirement from acting, and Paramount has yet to announce whether any other cast members will reprise their roles.
Racing Movies Are Enjoying a Major Revival
The renewed interest in Days of Thunder comes during a resurgence of motorsports films. Top Gun: Maverick proved Cruise could successfully revive one of his classic franchises decades later, while Formula 1’s growing global popularity has encouraged studios to invest in racing stories once again. Recent success at the box office has demonstrated that audiences remain interested in large-scale productions centered around speed and competition.
NASCAR presents a different challenge than Formula 1 because of its stronger North American focus. Even so, the original Days of Thunder remains one of the sport’s most recognizable appearances in mainstream Hollywood, making it a logical property to revisit.
If Paramount can combine authentic racing action with the practical filmmaking that has become synonymous with Cruise’s recent work, the sequel could appeal to longtime fans while introducing the franchise to a new audience.
Plenty of Questions Still Need Answers
While momentum is clearly building, several key details remain unknown. Paramount has not announced a production schedule or release date, and casting beyond Cruise has yet to be confirmed. It’s also not clear whether real NASCAR teams, tracks, and drivers will play a significant role in the film’s story.
For now, the biggest development is simply that the project continues moving forward. With Cruise committed, Bruckheimer producing, and a director potentially about to sign on, Days of Thunder 2 is closer than ever to leaving the pit lane after more than three decades.