More than three decades later Tom Cruise first taking over the racetrack in ‘Days of Thunder’, the actor is now officially gearing up for another go.Paramount Pictures has accelerated plans for a sequel to the 1990 racing drama, starring Cruise as legendary NASCAR driver Cole Trickle.
Paramount ramps up plans for sequel
According to industry reports, Paramount has set its sights on it Jonathan Levine to direct ‘Days of Thunder 2’. Although negotiations are still ongoing, Levine is the studio’s top choice to direct the sequel, following strong early reactions to his upcoming sports drama ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, starring David Corenswet, which will be released on Christmas Day.
Cruise returns as Cole Trickle
Released in 1990, Days of Thunder starred Cruise as the talented but reckless NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, whose rise through the racing world was marked by fierce rivalries, spectacular crashes and on-track victories.
Synopsis ‘Days of Thunder’
In ‘Days of Thunder’, Tom Cruise played race car driver Cole Trickle, whose talent and ambition are surpassed only by his burning need to win. Discovered by businessman Tim Daland (Randy Quaid), Cole teams up with legendary crew chief and car builder Harry Hogge (Academy Award winner Robert Duvall) to compete for the Winston Cup at the Daytona 500. A fiery accident almost ends Cole’s career and he has to turn to a precious doctor (Nicole Kidman) to regain the nerve and true courage needed to run, win and live.Directed by the late Tony Scott, the film reunites Cruise with the filmmaker after the massive success of ‘Top Gun’. Although it didn’t match the box office heights of their previous collaboration, ‘Days of Thunder’ became one of Cruise’s most popular action dramas and has since developed a loyal following.The original film also featured an acclaimed supporting cast including Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Cary Elwes and Randy Quaid.
Will Nicole Kidman return?
News of the sequel has quickly sparked speculation on social media, with many fans wondering if Nicole Kidman will reprise her role as Dr. Claire Lewicki, Cole Trickle’s neurosurgeon and love interest.Kidman and Cruise met while filming “Days of Thunder” before marrying later that year. The couple later starred together in films such as “Far and Away” and “Eyes Wide Shut” before divorcing in 2001. The former couple adopted children Isabella Jane Cruise (born December 1992) and Connor Anthony Cruise (born January 1995), who were raised primarily by Cruise in the Church of Scientology, a practice they continue today.
Cruise’s next big screen outing
Cruise will not only return in front of the camera, but will also serve as a producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who also produced the original blockbuster.The sequel is expected to become Cruise’s next production following his recent slate of blockbuster releases, continuing the actor’s trend of revisiting some of his most iconic franchises following the success of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.Plot details for Days of Thunder 2 remain under wraps, and Paramount has yet to announce a release date.