"Days Of Thunder 2": Jeff Gordon Says Tom Cruise Confirmed It's Happening

Dan Lalonde
Jun 17
2 min read

Tom Cruise Jeff Gordon Days Of Thunder 2

Over the past few months, I have posted about the possibilities of Days Of Thunder 2

being made (and if it could be a crossover with Brad Pitt's F1). Now we are one step closer to it happening.

Tom Cruise has officially confirmed that a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR drama Days of Thunder is moving forward. NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon revealed over the weekend that Cruise personally told him, "We're doing it. We're doing Days of Thunder 2."

Cruise had previously hinted at discussions with Paramount about the project but stopped short of confirming anything concrete. Now, the sequel is actively in development, with a script underway and a search for a new director in progress following the passing of original director Tony Scott.

While the original film received mixed reviews and grossed $157 million globally, the legacy of Days of Thunder has endured among NASCAR fans. Cruise seems confident that, much like Top Gun: Maverick, lightning can strike twice.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who also returned for Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel was initially pitched as a streaming series for Paramount+, an idea Cruise turned down in favor of a full theatrical release.

The original film followed the intense rivalry-turned-friendship between rookie driver Cole Trickle (Cruise) and seasoned racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). It’s expected the sequel will return to the high-octane world of NASCAR, tapping into the sport’s massive American fanbase.

Cruise’s film slate continues to grow, including collaborations with Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Christopher McQuarrie (Broadsword), and Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun 3). With Brad Pitt’s F1 movie also on the horizon, racing cinema is clearly having a moment—and Days of Thunder 2 might just ride that wave back to box office glory. Comment below with your thoughts.