Get ready for another high-octane ride—because NASCAR may be gearing up for a return to the big screen. And leading the charge? None other than Jeff Gordon, the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, who is working behind the scenes to convince Tom Cruise to dust off his racing helmet and step back into the world of Cole Trickle for a long-awaited ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel.
With the success of motorsport films like ‘Ford v Ferrari’ and the recent boom in sports docuseries like Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’, the timing for a blockbuster return to NASCAR couldn’t be better. And if anyone can pull Cruise back into the driver’s seat, it’s Gordon—who has maintained a close friendship with the Hollywood megastar for years.
But the big question remains: Will Tom Cruise, now 62, take the wheel once again?
Jeff Gordon Makes His Pitch: “I’ve Talked to Tom About It”
Jeff Gordon is all in on making this project happen. Speaking recently, the Hendrick Motorsports vice-chairman confirmed his efforts to bring Cruise back for a sequel.
“I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project,” Gordon said. “We want to be a part of it if it were to happen.”
While a full-fledged sequel remains in the discussion phase, there’s real momentum behind the idea. Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the 1990 cult classic, is reportedly open to reviving the franchise, especially given the resurgence of racing films in Hollywood.
And let’s not forget: Tom Cruise is no stranger to proving skeptics wrong. Few thought a ‘Top Gun’ sequel could work, but 2022’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ shattered expectations, pulling in nearly $1.5 billion worldwide. If the right story is there, Cruise could absolutely make another racing blockbuster.
Why ‘Days of Thunder’ Still Has a Place in Hollywood
When ‘Days of Thunder’ hit theaters in 1990, it wasn’t exactly a runaway success—pulling in $157 million on a $60 million budget and receiving mixed reviews from critics. But time has been kind to the film. It has developed a passionate fanbase, with many considering it NASCAR’s answer to ‘Top Gun’.
Even Quentin Tarantino, the Oscar-winning director behind ‘Pulp Fiction’, has publicly stated:
“Hands down, my favorite racing movie is ‘Days of Thunder.’”
If Tarantino believes in it, who are we to argue?
More importantly, NASCAR as a sport needs a cultural resurgence. While Netflix’s ‘NASCAR: Full Speed’ has given fans an inside look into the sport (similar to Formula 1’s ‘Drive to Survive’), nothing captures the essence of racing quite like a Hollywood blockbuster.
Jeff Gordon sees this potential, and he knows a sequel could reignite mainstream interest in NASCAR.
Could Rick Hendrick Be Involved Again?
If a sequel happens, expect NASCAR royalty to be involved. In the original film, Rick Hendrick—one of the sport’s most successful team owners—served as a technical advisor, ensuring that the on-screen racing sequences felt authentic.
With Hendrick still one of the most influential figures in the sport, his involvement in a sequel would make perfect sense—especially if Jeff Gordon helps steer the project forward.
Is Tom Cruise Too Old to Return as Cole Trickle?
The simple answer? Absolutely not.
Age hasn’t slowed down Cruise, who continues to perform his own insane stunts in ‘Mission: Impossible’ films, including riding motorcycles off cliffs and clinging to planes mid-flight.
If anyone could realistically jump back into a stock car at 62 and make it look believable, it’s Cruise. His commitment to authenticity and stunt work would only add to the realism of a NASCAR sequel.
Will ‘Days of Thunder 2’ Actually Happen?
At this stage, it’s all about getting Cruise on board. If Gordon and Paramount can convince him to say yes, the rest will fall into place faster than a lap at Daytona.
One thing’s for sure: NASCAR fans are hungry for more. Whether it’s a movie, a docuseries, or another form of high-profile media, stock car racing needs a major pop-culture boost—and a Cruise-led sequel could be just the thing to put NASCAR back in the Hollywood spotlight.
If Jeff Gordon has his way, Cole Trickle will be back on the big screen soon. The only question is, will Cruise say yes?
