Looks like Maverick’s got a new trick up his sleeve – and this one’s got wheels. Tom Cruise is reportedly revving up talks with Paramount for a potential Days of Thunder 2, almost 35 years after the original left tire marks on the big screen.
In case you need a refresher, Days of Thunder dropped in 1990, directed by the legendary Tony Scott. Cruise played Cole Trickle (yes, that was his name), a hot-headed young racer with one mission: to conquer NASCAR. Alongside Cruise, the film was a petrol-fueled party of stars like Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, and Michael Rooker, each of them playing iconic characters that had us all wanting to jump behind the wheel.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cruise is in early talks with Paramount, exploring the possibility of bringing Trickle back for another lap. But before we all start gearing up for high-speed action, it’s worth noting that it’s just talk at the moment – no official green light yet.
“He’s talking to Paramount about Top Gun and Days of Thunder,” a source spilled. “Which one gets the flag first all comes down to the script. If there’s an idea that revs his engine, it’s game on.”
Not the first time a Days of Thunder comeback was floated either. Paramount was actually keen on turning it into a TV series back in 2022, but Cruise reportedly shut that down quicker than a pit stop, keeping Cole Trickle’s story firmly in the fast lane.
The original film gave us the ultimate race-day drama: a rookie-versus-veteran rivalry, intense crashes, and enough high-octane action to make anyone feel the need for speed. And let’s not forget the romance between Cruise’s Cole and Nicole Kidman’s Dr. Claire Lewicki – a pairing that had both the track and theaters steaming.
Will we see any of the old crew – like Rooker’s Rowdy Burns or even Cary Elwes’ villainous Russ Wheeler – back in action? That’s all under the hood for now.
In the meantime, you can catch Days of Thunder streaming on Fubo, Paramount+, and MGM+. If a sequel gets the green light, it’s safe to say Cruise is ready to hit the gas – and we’re here for it.
