Action star Tom Cruise would like some more stunts to perform, potentially involving some car crashes if he has his way. The Mission: Impossible actor is eyeing a proposed follow-up to his 1990 NASCAR-themed pic, Days of Thunder, which is sure to involve some explosions.
While details are scant and the gears are still turning regarding who will be involved, reporting from The Hollywood Reporter states that the project would seek to recreate the movie magic that Top Gun: Maverick, the 2022 sequel to 1986's fighter pilot action drama Top Gun, harnessed. Like the original Top Gun, Days of Thunder was also a Paramount movie produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, with director Tony Scott.
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Read on for everything we know so far about Days of Thunder 2.
Will there be a Days of Thunder sequel?
Possibly. According to reports, Tom Cruise is in talks with Paramount regarding a sequel to the 1990 film. However, there is no script yet and nothing has been greenlit, so this could very well fall apart long before filming begins.
What is the release date of Days of Thunder 2?
Since the project is at such an early stage, there is no release date. Given that the script hasn't been written yet, it seems likely that any sequel wouldn't arrive in theaters until at least 2026 at the earliest.
Related: He's a Maverick, for Sure! We Ranked the 25 Best Tom Cruise Movies of All Time
What is the original Days of Thunder about?
The racing drama, which produced a modest box office return and received mixed critical reviews, follows a rivalry between upstart Cole Trickle (Cruise) and veteran Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). When both are critically injured in competition, they band together to take down newbie Russ Wheeler (Cary Elwes), with Cole commandeering Rowdy's car in the Daytona 500. Also starring is Nicole Kidman as neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki, with whom Cruise embarks on a romance (later translating to real life, as the two collaborated on other films like Eyes Wide Shut and were married for 11 years).
Will Tom Cruise return for the sequel?
Yes. Per THR, Cruise himself is a large part of Paramount's bid to revive the project. A Thunder reboot was previously proposed as a television adaptation, which Cruise denied. As a top-billed A-Lister, the Minority Report star has incredible leeway and control over the projects he takes, including final script approval for the productions he signs onto. Though the sequel is still in talks, Cruise will likely return as star, along with a producing credit.
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Who is involved in the making of Days of Thunder 2?
Thus far, only Cruise and Paramount (which declined to comment on the matter) are part of the proceedings. According to reporting, the project's eventual trajectory will be clinched upon finding a suitable writer.
The original Days of Thunder scribe was the late Oscar winner Robert Towne (Chinatown), with story by him and Cruise. Meanwhile, the Maverick writers included Eric Warren Singer, Ehren Kruger and frequent Cruise collaborator Christopher McQuarrie. Currently, Kruger is working alongside Maverick helmer Joseph Kosinski for next year's F1, another racing drama with Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, McQuarrie has long been associated with Cruise's projects, alternating as writer, director and producer for his pics for more than 15 years. It's possible that Cruise will look to reunite some of the team behind Maverick to conjure up similar box office and critical success for Thunder 2.
Will Nicole Kidman and the original cast return?
This is still up in the air and dependent on the script's storyline. Should Thunder 2 follow along the lines of Maverick, we can expect a brand-new cast of upstarts and Cruise in a coaching/mentorship role, with potential cameos from previous cast members. However, considering their personal and offscreen relationship, as well as her own busy schedule, Kidman is unlikely to work alongside Cruise again. Though, never say never!
Related: Nicole Kidman Offers Up Rare Comment About Working with Ex-Husband Tom Cruise
What is the plot of Days of Thunder 2?
No plot details have been released yet and since there is no script at this point, Cruise, himself, may not even know the plot. However, there will almost certainly be plenty of car racing.
Related: A Guide to Tom Cruise's Legendary Stunt Work