It’s been 35 years since Days of Thunder first roared into theaters, introducing moviegoers to Cole Trickle, a hotshot racer portrayed by Tom Cruise. While it didn’t win over every critic or break box office records like its sibling film Top Gun, the 1990 NASCAR-based drama carved out a lasting legacy among racing fans. Now, with a sequel finally in the works, NASCAR devotees and film buffs alike are buzzing with anticipation.
Set against a backdrop of modern motorsports and Hollywood firepower, Days of Thunder 2 could be a unique blend of nostalgia, adrenaline, and reinvention. Here’s everything we know so far — and why this sequel might just be the high-octane revival NASCAR needs.
Hollywood’s Second Lap: What’s Fueling the Sequel
The momentum behind Days of Thunder 2 seems to stem from both a renewed interest in racing films and a Hollywood reunion that fans didn’t see coming. Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the same name behind Top Gun: Maverick, recently confirmed that development is underway for a follow-up to the original film. He’s working closely with Tom Cruise once again, and while the script is still being written, enthusiasm is clearly running high.
“There’s always new technology. There are always new ways to do things, to see things,” Bruckheimer said when asked about how the sequel might evolve. Given his track record — especially with resurrecting Top Gun — fans can expect a modern cinematic treatment that retains the old-school grit of stock car racing.
F1 Meets NASCAR? Joseph Kosinski Wants a Crossover
Adding even more intrigue is the potential for a crossover between Days of Thunder 2 and the upcoming F1 movie directed by Joseph Kosinski. The filmmaker, who previously teamed up with Cruise for Maverick, revealed his dream scenario to GQ UK — pitting Cole Trickle against Sonny Hayes, the fictional F1 driver played by Brad Pitt.
According to Kosinski,
“We find out that [Trickle and Hayes] have a past. They were rivals at some point… Maybe they crossed paths. I heard about this epic go-kart battle [Cruise and Pitt] had during ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ and who wouldn’t pay to see those two go head-to-head on the track?” – Joseph Kosinski
It’s a wild idea, but not completely out of reach. Pitt and Cruise haven’t shared the screen since 1994, and while Pitt joked he won’t be “hanging his a– off airplanes,” he hasn’t ruled out the idea of joining a NASCAR sequel — especially one with a compelling story.
Fans React: “Make It Modern, Make It Real”
As soon as rumors about the sequel resurfaced, fans flooded social media with hot takes. Most are on board, but they’re setting high expectations. One major theme: authenticity.
A fan on Reddit posted, “Pls be a modern NASCAR movie and not some movie based on the 90s or early 2000s,” calling for a storyline rooted in today’s racing scene. With NASCAR evolving to include younger drivers, street circuits, and even hybrid technologies in the near future, fans clearly want to see a film that mirrors current challenges and rivalries.
Another user offered a more humorous take, poking fun at the realism of aging drivers: “At least in a NASCAR movie a 60-year-old driver is somewhat realistic.” That’s not far off the mark — Morgan Shepherd ran races into his 70s. So Tom Cruise, now in his early 60s, could feasibly return to the driver’s seat… on screen, at least.
The Symbolism of No. 55: A Deeper Layer
While much of the attention is on Cruise and Pitt, there’s an emerging storyline that could tie this fictional sequel into a larger cultural framework. According to recent discussions within the industry, the number “55” might be used for a team car in the film — a deliberate tribute to Emmett Till and Rosa Parks, both iconic figures from 1955.
Though not yet confirmed as a plot detail, the symbolism could help ground Days of Thunder 2 in a more meaningful narrative. In today’s landscape, where social themes are increasingly reflected in sports media, this addition could give the movie emotional weight beyond just racing action.
What NASCAR Stands to Gain
Whether this sequel becomes a blockbuster or a cult favorite, NASCAR has a lot to gain. The original Days of Thunder helped introduce stock car racing to a broader audience. It glamorized pit stops, rivalries, and speed in ways that few documentaries or race broadcasts could.
In an era when NASCAR is pushing for younger audiences, trying street races in major cities, and experimenting with new media platforms (like Prime Video and TNT), a mainstream movie backed by Cruise and Bruckheimer could be a timely boost.
One fan nailed it in a post:
“Hope they can draft up a decent plot. Doesn’t even need to be original, just needs to be well done. Maverick was a pretty cliché movie, and it still kicked absolute a–.” – nascar fans’ reaction
News in Brief: Tom Cruise to Revive NASCAR Cole Trickle Role
The story isn’t finished yet — literally. As of now, the Days of Thunder 2 screenplay is still in the drafting stage. But the players are in position. Cruise is interested, Bruckheimer is producing, and Hollywood has rediscovered its need for speed.
Whether the film ultimately includes a crossover with Brad Pitt’s F1 character or not, Days of Thunder 2 could represent something much bigger than a nostalgia play. It might just be a new chapter in how NASCAR tells its story to the world — with drama, energy, and yes, a bit of Hollywood flair.
And if nothing else, we’ll get to see Cole Trickle fire up one more time. For longtime fans, that’s already a win.
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