Will "Days Of Thunder 2" Be A Crossover With Brad Pitt's "F1" With Joseph Kosinski Directing?

Tom Cruise Explores A Sequel To "Days Of Thunder" Amidst A Packed Schedule Of High-Stakes Franchises

Tom Cruise is once again proving he’s not slowing down, as he considers a surprising sequel to his 1990 NASCAR film, Days of Thunder. Known for revamping Top Gun into the widely successful Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise has reportedly been in talks with Paramount to bring back the high-octane racing drama. In a cinematic landscape that has seen recent popular racing films like Ford v Ferrari and Ferrari, revisiting the world of Days of Thunder could add a uniquely American take on the motorsport genre.

While the original Days of Thunder did not achieve monumental box office success, Cruise sees potential in reimagining the story for modern audiences. Released in 1990, the film earned $157 million worldwide, with a production budget of $60 million—enough to break even but not enough to label it a blockbuster. Critically, the film received mixed reactions, though it garnered a dedicated following and now stands as a cult favorite, especially among NASCAR enthusiasts. The movie also holds a unique personal significance for Cruise; it was on this film’s set that he met his future wife, actress Nicole Kidman, who starred opposite him as a neurosurgeon and love interest.

Could Days of Thunder 2 And Brad Pitt’s F1 Crossover?

An intriguing prospect for Days of Thunder 2 is a potential crossover with Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula 1 film, currently being developed by Joseph Kosinski, the director behind Top Gun: Maverick. As Kosinski has already worked closely with Tom Cruise, his experience with high-speed, adrenaline-pumping storytelling would make him an ideal candidate to direct Days of Thunder 2. A crossover could bridge NASCAR and Formula 1, allowing audiences a rare glimpse into the differences and rivalries between American and European motorsport worlds. Pitt’s role in F1 could complement the grit and Americana vibe of Days of Thunder, pitting Cole Trickle’s NASCAR style against the sleek precision of F1.

This crossover would also present a marketing opportunity, merging audiences who are fans of NASCAR with those drawn to the prestige of Formula 1. Not only could it capture a global viewership, but a crossover storyline could also spark deeper connections and rivalries between the two racing legends, adding a unique twist to Days of Thunder 2 that aligns well with current cinematic trends favoring interconnected universes.

Cruise’s revival ambitions reflect a similar confidence he had for Top Gun: Maverick. With the right combination of an updated script and a fresh directorial vision, Cruise believes Days of Thunder could strike a nostalgic yet thrilling chord with audiences, much like the Top Gun sequel did. However, the actor-producer’s schedule is packed, juggling various franchise commitments that could delay or impact this potential project.

Cruise’s Current Line-Up: Sequels, Space Adventures, and “The Final” Mission: Impossible?

In addition to Days of Thunder, Cruise has multiple major projects in development. Paramount’s plans for a Top Gun: Maverick sequel are moving forward, although the studio is waiting on a solid script. As one insider revealed, Top Gun and Days of Thunder are both high on the agenda, with final green lights hinging on which screenplay gets Cruise’s approval first. The pressure to choose wisely is evident, as Maverick performed exceptionally well, reeling in over $1 billion worldwide and setting a high standard for follow-up projects.

One of the most anticipated productions in Cruise’s current lineup is his continued work on the Mission: Impossible franchise, which has grown increasingly ambitious in terms of scale and storyline. Following Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the next installment (originally intended to be “Part Two”) has wrapped filming and is undergoing post-production. The Mission: Impossible series has been lauded for its action sequences and intricate plotlines, but with the last film leaving audiences on a cliffhanger, expectations are even higher. Despite Paramount’s suggestion that M

8 might mark the end of the franchise, Cruise, who has expressed a desire to continue making action movies into his eighties, seems resistant to officially saying goodbye to Ethan Hunt.

A Crowded Landscape of Racing Films

If Days of Thunder makes it through Cruise’s selection process, it would be entering a cinematic landscape where racing films have seen a resurgence in recent years. Films like James Mangold’s Ford v Ferrari proved that audiences are eager for fast-paced dramas rooted in the competitive world of motorsport, while Michael Mann’s recent release, Ferrari, adds a historical layer to the genre. Additionally, Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski is currently directing F1, a Formula 1-themed film starring Brad Pitt, bringing even more attention to the genre. NASCAR, however, remains distinctly American, and Days of Thunder could tap into the national pride and unique culture associated with it—an edge that might allow it to stand apart from European-centric racing stories.

The Quest for the Right Director and Script

Since Days of Thunder holds a special place for fans, especially within American motorsports, finding the right creative team to capture the right blend of nostalgia and innovation will be critical. Joseph Kosinski, who directed Top Gun: Maverick, might be the ideal candidate, but he may want to avoid back-to-back racing films with his current work on F1. The search for the right director and script is ongoing, and Cruise, known for his hands-on approach, will likely remain deeply involved in these decisions.

Final Thoughts: Cruise’s Relentless Drive and Unstoppable Ambition

As Cruise approaches his 63rd birthday, his passion for storytelling and high-octane action hasn’t wavered. Whether he’s diving into space with director Doug Liman for an unprecedented film production or revving up interest in an underdog racing drama, Cruise’s drive to push boundaries remains undeterred. With an unmatched dedication to his craft, it’s no wonder that he keeps his eyes on both the horizon and the next challenge—whatever that may be. Fans can look forward to seeing what Cruise decides to tackle next, and in the meantime, they can stay tuned for updates on the future of Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and, possibly, Days of Thunder.

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Source: Hollywood Reporter

Photo Credit: Paramount