- Primary Subject: Days of Thunder 2
- Key Update: Paramount Pictures is officially moving forward with the long-awaited Days of Thunder sequel.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: July 23, 2026
- Quick Answer: Paramount is officially developing a Days of Thunder sequel, with Tom Cruise returning as Cole Trickle and Jonathan Levine in talks to direct.
The long-awaited sequel to the Tom Cruise racing movie classic Days of Thunder is officially moving forward.
For the last few years, Paramount Pictures has been developing a sequel to the 1990 film, which will bring back Cruise as Cole Trickle and serve as producer. Fans have been wondering whether it will still happen, given the lack of updates and the A-list star's busy schedule.
Now, it looks like the long wait is over, as they are now gearing up to start filming sometime soon.
What to Expect in Days of Thunder Sequel
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Paramount Pictures is now officially moving forward with the sequel to Days of Thunder, which is being planned to be the next movie that Tom Cruise will film.
Jonathan Levine, who is helming the upcoming sports drama film Mr. Irrelevant, is in talks to direct the follow-up. There are plans to begin shooting early next year.
So far, the plot details for the sequel are still under wraps, but it will likely explore the world of NASCAR once again, as in the first film. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 writer Will Staples is currently working on the screenplay.
There is also no update on whether other surviving cast members from the first film will also return. The biggest question for fans is Nicole Kidman's potential involvement, given that she and Cruise are exes and that might prevent her from being invited back in the sequel.
Some fans have suggested a potential crossover with Brad Pitt's F1: The Movie, an idea that was supported by director Joseph Kosinski.
He said, "Right now, it’d be Cole Trickle. We find out that he and Sonny Hayes [Pitt’s character] have a past. They were rivals at some point, maybe crossed paths… I heard about this epic go-kart battle on Interview with the Vampire that Brad and Tom had, and who wouldn’t pay to see those two go head-to-head on the track?"
What Is Days of Thunder About?
Set in the fast-paced world of NASCAR, Days of Thunder follows the rivalry that brews between rookie hotshot Cole Trickle and veteran racer Rowdy Burns. When both of them are seriously injured in competition, the former bitter rivals become close friends.
With Cole's spirits restored by a romance with neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki, and Rowdy still sidelined by injuries, Cole decides to race Rowdy's car in the Daytona 500 against underhanded newcomer Russ Wheeler.
The cast includes Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Michael Rooker, Nicole Kidman, and Cary Elwes. Tony Scott directed the film.
While critical reception was mixed, reviewers widely praised the film's thrilling racing sequences, Hans Zimmer’s iconic score, and standout performances by Cruise and Duvall. Against a $60 million budget, it pulled in $157.9 million globally and has since built a massive cult following among NASCAR fans.
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