We Don’t Need A Classic NASCAR Flick Sequel, But We’ll Get One Anyway

With Formula 1’s popularity surging thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and real-world F1 races pulling in record-breaking viewership, it’s no surprise Hollywood wants a bigger slice of the action. At the recent premiere of F1: The Movie – a new racing flick starring Brad Pitt – producer Jerry Bruckheimer let slip that another high-octane project is revving up: a sequel to Days of Thunder.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Bruckheimer hinted at the long-rumored Days of Thunder 2, responding cryptically but confidently when asked about it: “The next one, you mean?” he said, all but confirming the project’s existence. He praised the evolving technologies in filmmaking and singled out Tom Cruise’s knack for wild ideas, like doing a one-handed drift in a Fiat 500. In short: a sequel is in the works, and it sounds like Cruise is on board.

Cruise’s Phenomenal Ideas Are Central To The Sequel

Though no official plot or production timeline has been revealed, Bruckheimer noted that Cruise “comes up with phenomenal ideas” and promised something “really exciting for an audience once we pull it together.” That lines up with previous whispers, including NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon revealing he spoke with Cruise directly and was told, “We’re doing Days of Thunder 2.”

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Cruise, fresh off the success of Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, is known for his commitment to doing the stunts himself and on-screen authenticity. So expect tire smoke, real crashes, and perhaps even dirt bikes or fire if Cruise has his way. The other cast is still a mystery at this point, but we’re not expecting Nicole Kidman to reprise her role in the original movie.

A Worthy Follow-Up To The Cult Classic?

Released in 1990, the original Days of Thunder wasn’t a critical darling, but it quickly carved out its place as a beloved cult classic, especially with its NASCAR-themed story line that’s very American. With a Hans Zimmer score, unforgettable one-liners, and visceral racing sequences, it became a time capsule of ’90s action cinema. It also marked the first on-screen pairing of Cruise and Kidman.

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Let’s see if the sequel will get the same renown as the original version, but if anyone can pull off a more-than-decent follow-up to a classic, action-hero Cruise and his genuine death-defying stunts should be the one to successfully do so.

Source: ET Online