Jeff Gordon attends Mission Impossible premiere with Tom Cruise at Lincoln Center in New York City, drawing both motorsports and film fans’ attention on May 18. The celebrated NASCAR Cup Series champion, joined by his family, reignited excitement about potential collaborations between himself and the Hollywood star as they walked the red carpet together.
Gordon Joins Tom Cruise at Mission: Impossible Premiere
When Jeff Gordon arrived at the U.S. premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, many took note of his support for Tom Cruise, a friend with whom he shares a lengthy and public history. Gordon, accompanied by his wife Ingrid Vandebosch and their son Leo, celebrated Cruise’s much-awaited comeback to the franchise, underlining their continued friendship. The significance of their bond has previously been evident, such as when Tom Cruise surprised Gordon during his 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction.
The film’s opening night in New York was attended by many notable personalities, including the Mission: Impossible cast—Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett—and director Christopher McQuarrie. As the stars interacted with fans and answered media questions, Jeff Gordon’s notable presence with his family drew particular focus from the motorsports community. Their shared history unites the worlds of racing and Hollywood and further fueled fan anticipation for new ventures.
With its U.S. release scheduled for May 23, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning had already amassed more than $25 million internationally, including strong box office numbers in India, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Industry analysts project a robust domestic debut due to the film’s existing momentum, and there is optimism that the franchise’s eighth installment could rank among the most successful releases of 2025.
Speculation Rises for Days of Thunder Sequel Collaboration
Gordon’s presence alongside Tom Cruise at such a high-profile event has stoked new rumors about a potential sequel to Cruise’s 1990 racing classic, Days of Thunder. The original film, directed by Tony Scott, helped introduce mainstream audiences to NASCAR, with Cruise starring as Cole Trickle, a fictional Cup Series driver. Supporting performances by Nicole Kidman and Robert Duvall contributed to the film’s enduring cult status.
In the days following the 2025 Daytona 500, speculation intensified when Jeff Gordon addressed the prospect of revisiting the story with Cruise. Speaking to the media, he shared:
“I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it, because I want him to do the project, and we (Hendrick Motorsports) want to be a part of it if it were to happen. He seems to like to tease it. We’ll see what happens. If that doesn’t happen, I feel pretty confident there’s a project out there that will get NASCAR back on the big screen.” —Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
The original film’s impact continues to be felt, and the renewed attention is further fueled by the popularity of motorsport-based programming. Recent additions like Netflix’s NASCAR: Full Speed 2, which provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to drivers and teams, have underscored the growing appetite for racing stories among general audiences. The motorsports community now speculates whether a Days of Thunder sequel—or a new big-screen project involving NASCAR—could be on the horizon, with both Gordon and Cruise at the center of these conversations.
The Ongoing Connection Between Racing and Hollywood
Both Jeff Gordon and Tom Cruise remain icons in their respective fields, bridging the gap between motorsports and entertainment. Their ongoing partnership, fueled by mutual respect and shared history, keeps fans eager for news about collaborative projects. As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning readies for its domestic release, and given the strong performance of racing content like Netflix’s productions, all eyes remain on what these influential figures might do next. Motorsport’s cinematic future, especially with possible involvement from Cruise, Gordon, and Hendrick Motorsports, promises continued excitement for both racing fans and film enthusiasts.
