Tom Cruise has never been one to pump the brakes, both on and off the screen. Just as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ shattered expectations and proved that reviving an old franchise could yield blockbuster results, the action star is eyeing yet another return—this time to the adrenaline-fueled world of NASCAR. Reports suggest Cruise is in talks with Paramount to develop a sequel to his 1990 film ‘Days of Thunder’, the high-speed drama that captured the hearts of motorsports fans worldwide.

But why ‘Days of Thunder’, a film that wasn’t exactly a runaway success in its initial run?

A surprising bet for Cruise and Paramount

Speaking of the Days of Thunder (1990), directed by Tony Scott, which showcased Tom Cruise as Cole Trickle, there was a bold NASCAR rookie who was eager to dominate the racing scene. Produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, the film offered thrilling race sequences and strong performances but drew mixed reviews for its formulaic storyline and style-heavy approach.

Now, Cruise’s plans to revisit the ‘Days of Thunder’ universe might seem audacious to some. The original film pulled in $157 million worldwide against a hefty $60 million budget. Critics at the time had a lukewarm response, with many pointing to its somewhat formulaic plot. However, as he’s shown before, Tom Cruise has a way of proving doubters wrong.

After all, look at ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, a sequel to a film from the ’80s that few thought needed a follow-up. Not only did it smash box office records, but it also reignited interest in legacy sequels. “You might have said that revisiting ‘Top Gun’ was a terrible idea,” a Paramount insider remarked. “I wouldn’t discount it [a ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel] either.”

According to the exclusive story published by the Hollywood Reporter, Cruise is reportedly heavily involved in the early stages of this potential project, even holding script approval for all of his films. That attention to detail is crucial, especially given his current packed schedule.

He’s also preparing to film an ambitious space movie with director Doug Liman and exploring the next steps for his long-running ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. Plus, a ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ sequel is also high on his to-do list. So, if ‘Days of Thunder’ is to happen, it’ll need a winning script to get the green light.

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Timing is everything in Hollywood, and Cruise might be capitalizing on a resurgence in the racing film genre. Recent movies like ‘Ford vs. Ferrari’ have demonstrated that audiences still have an appetite for fast cars and even faster drama. While Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ didn’t quite make the same impact, anticipation is building for Joseph Kosinski’s upcoming Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt. Racing films have become stylish again, but ‘Days of Thunder’ could offer something unique: the distinct, American-flavored world of NASCAR.

Cruise’s character in the original, Cole Trickle, was inspired by real-life racing legends like Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine. Fans of the original will remember how the movie intertwined fiction with authentic NASCAR tales, from dramatic engine blowouts to the infamous scene of two rivals destroying rental cars in an impromptu city street race. The film has nostalgic ties to NASCAR culture and features memorable anecdotes, such as a character modeled on Bill France Jr., who mediated between fierce rivals just like in real NASCAR history.

Even legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has praised ‘Days of Thunder’, calling it his favorite racing movie. “Sure, it had a big budget, big stars, and a big director in Tony Scott,” Tarantino said. “But it had the fun of those early American racing movies. I just don’t think [the genre] works if you take the whole thing too seriously.” The film also marked a pivotal moment in Cruise’s life, as it was where he met his then-future wife, Nicole Kidman.

As for directing, Joseph Kosinski—the mastermind behind ‘Maverick’—seems like an obvious pick. Yet, given that he’s already immersed in another high-profile racing project, it’s unclear if he would be interested in back-to-back motorsports films. All these pieces are still being assembled, but the thought of Cruise donning a racing suit once more has fans revved up.

Stay tuned, because if there’s one thing Tom Cruise is good at, it’s making the impossible seem not just possible but exciting beyond belief.