Tom Cruise has reportedly confirmed a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR film “Days of Thunder” is happening.
This news comes as Cruise remains busy with future projects like another “Top Gun” sequel. The actor, known for his roles in “Top Gun: Maverick” and the “Mission: Impossible” series, recently spoke with Jeff Gordon, a retired NASCAR driver and executive at Hendrick Motorsports. Gordon told Road & Track magazine that during the premiere of the latest “Mission: Impossible” film, Cruise said to him, “we’re doing it. We’re doing Days of Thunder 2.”
“I’m all for it,” Gordon explained. “Rick Hendrick [owner of Hendrick Motorsports] is all for it. Hendrick Motorsports played a big role in the first Days of Thunder, and we’d love to do the same in this one. Again, you look at things that can help grow the sport. Look what Days of Thunder did for NASCAR in the ’90s. I think it could very easily do the same if we were able to do this again.
Gordon also discussed NASCAR’s current status and its partnership with Prime Video for streaming races. He acknowledged the growing popularity of Formula 1 but believes NASCAR still has a strong future. “I give a lot of credit to Formula 1, and the amazing job of Liberty Media, but NASCAR has done an amazing job over the years too,” Gordon said. He pointed out that several high-profile NASCAR drivers have recently left the sport, but new stars are emerging. Gordon thinks a new “Days of Thunder” movie could help NASCAR regain some of its former popularity.
Racing movies are not common these days. The “Fast and Furious” series now focuses more on action than racing. “Ford v Ferrari” is a rare recent example of a racing drama. This year, Brad Pitt and some of the “Top Gun” team are releasing “F1,” a film about Formula 1 racing. Early signs suggest this film will be a hit. If “Days of Thunder 2” moves forward, it could bring attention back to NASCAR, which is not as visible in current movies.
Gordon said, “Look what Days of Thunder did for NASCAR in the ’90s. I think it could very easily do the same if we were able to do this again.” He also stated, “I’m all for it. Rick Hendrick [owner of Hendrick Motorsports] is all for it. Hendrick Motorsports played a big role in the first Days of Thunder, and we’d love to do the same in this one.” Gordon believes the time is right for NASCAR to make a strong comeback in popular culture.
***
Todd Fisher
Todd lives in Northern California with "the wife," "the kids," "the dogs," "that cat," and he occasionally wears pants. His upcoming release, "Are You Woke Enough Yet?", is the culmination of too much time on social media and working in the film industry.
English (US) · 