Frankie Muniz eager to join Days of Thunder 2 sequel became a trending topic as interest around a revival of the iconic 1990 NASCAR film, Days of Thunder, gains momentum. In recent days, speculation about Tom Cruise reprising his role as Cole Trickle has resurfaced, and Frankie Muniz, a current Truck Series racer known for his acting work in “Malcolm in the Middle,” has made clear his desire to participate if the film moves forward.
Tom Cruise’s original Days of Thunder marked a milestone for NASCAR, drawing millions of new viewers to the sport after its release. More than three decades later, talks of a sequel are intensifying, and comments from industry insiders and racers signal mounting excitement and high hopes for what a new installment could bring to NASCAR and its fans.
Rising hopes for a sequel stir excitement among major NASCAR personalities
Over the past few weeks, talk of a Days of Thunder sequel has gathered speed. Tom Cruise has publicly confirmed that discussions are ongoing about returning as Cole Trickle, though NASCAR itself has not made any official comment regarding the rumors. Nevertheless, Cruise’s willingness to revisit the role has sparked widespread speculation and anticipation within both the racing and entertainment communities.
Frankie Muniz has paid close attention to these developments. The 39-year-old recently took to X with a candid admission about his passion for the project. In his words:
Just saying this out loud… If they make a Days of Thunder movie and I’m not in it for even a little bit, I failed in every aspect of my being.— Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz) May 29, 2025
Muniz’s rare blend of experience as a professional driver and successful actor positions him uniquely for a potential role. His early 2000s fame as the lead in Fox’s popular sitcom added to his racing credentials could make his casting a natural fit. Beyond Muniz, other NASCAR stars, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., have shown support for a sequel and speculated eagerly about possible storylines and castings, including whether Tom Cruise would portray a driver or transition into a different role, perhaps as a team owner.
Christopher McQuarrie shares creative vision for possible Days of Thunder 2
Director Christopher McQuarrie, well-known for his collaborations with Tom Cruise on the Mission Impossible films and Top Gun, recently hinted at having a clear idea for the sequel. His vision came together within moments after witnessing the phenomenal response to “Top Gun: Maverick.” As he explained:
Totally know what the premise of the movie would be. In five seconds I knew what the premise would be. I looked at the response to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and immediately turned to Tom and said, ‘Days of Thunder.‘— Christopher McQuarrie told Josh Horowitz.
McQuarrie believes that a new Days of Thunder film could once again shine the spotlight on NASCAR, at a time when the racing world finds itself competing with big-budget Hollywood features, like Formula 1’s project starring Brad Pitt. He suggests the franchise could seize the opportunity to engage a fresh generation of race fans, capitalizing on Tom Cruise’s enduring global stardom and the film industry’s current focus on motorsports-inspired stories.
Potential impact of a sequel on NASCAR’s popularity and the entertainment world
The effect of the original Days of Thunder on NASCAR remains profound, credited with bringing millions of first-time fans to stock car racing. Should a sequel come to fruition, it could reinvigorate interest in NASCAR, much as “Top Gun: Maverick” provided a major boost to aviation and classic film nostalgia. Frankie Muniz’s vocal enthusiasm, combined with support from respected racers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., highlights both the emotional and commercial stakes involved.
While NASCAR officials have yet to make a public statement, growing intrigue around the rumored production signals a promising opportunity for crossover success between Hollywood and racing. If the project moves ahead, it stands to not only rekindle excitement among longtime fans but also draw new audiences to the sport and deepen the connection between motorsports and mainstream entertainment. For now, the community awaits further announcements, eager to see if Muniz and other fan-favorites will have a role in what could become NASCAR’s next cultural milestone.
