More than three decades ago Tom Cruise first took over the racetrack in ‘Days of Thunder’, the actor is now officially gearing up for another lap.Paramount Pictures is reportedly accelerating plans for a sequel to the 1990 racing drama, which stars Cruise as legendary NASCAR driver Cole Trickle.
Paramount changed the sequel’s plans
According to industry reports, Paramount is looking at: Jonathan Levine to direct ‘Days of Thunder 2’. While negotiations are still ongoing, Levine is the studio’s top choice to lead the sequel, following strong early reactions to his upcoming feature film ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, starring David Corenswet, is set for a Christmas Day release.
Cruise returns as Cole Trickle
Released in 1990, Days of Thunder starred Cruise as talented but relentless NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, whose rise in the racing world was marked by fierce rivalries, spectacular crashes and victories on the track.
“Days of Thunder” synopsis
In “Days of Thunder” Tom Cruise plays race driver Cole Trickle, whose talent and ambition are surpassed only by his burning need to win. Discovered by businessman Tim Daland (Randy Quaid), Cole teams up with legendary crew chief and car-builder Harry Hogge (Academy Award winner Robert Duvall) to race for the Winston Cup at the Daytona 500. A serious crash nearly ends Cole’s career and he must turn to a beautiful doctor (Nicole Kidman) to regain his nerve and the true courage needed to race, win and live.Directed by the late Tony Scott, the film reunites Cruise with the filmmaker after the huge success of ‘Top Gun’. Although it didn’t match the box office heights of their previous collaboration, ‘Days of Thunder’ became one of Cruise’s most popular action dramas and has since developed a loyal fan following.The original film also featured an acclaimed supporting cast including Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Cary Elwes and Randy Quaid.
Will Nicole Kidman return?
News of the sequel quickly sparked speculation on social media, with many fans wondering if Nicole Kidman would return to her role as Dr. Claire Lewicki, the neurosurgeon and Cole Trickle’s love interest.Kidman and Cruise famously met while filming ‘Days of Thunder’ before tying the knot later that year. The pair later starred in films together including ‘Far and Away’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ before divorcing in 2001. The former couple adopted children Isabella Jane Cruise (born December 1992) and Connor Anthony Cruise (born January 1995), whom Cruise raised primarily in the Church of Scientology, a practice they continue today.
Cruise’s next big-screen outing
Cruise will not only return in front of the camera but will also serve as a producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who also produced the original blockbuster.The sequel is expected to be Cruise’s next production following his recent slate of blockbuster releases, continuing the actor’s trend of revisiting some of his most iconic franchises following the success of ‘Top Gun. Maverick’.Plot details for Days of Thunder 2 remain under wraps, and Paramount has yet to announce a release date.