Days of Thunder is a memorable action drama starring Tom Cruise that combines high-octane NASCAR racing with a dash of romance and intense rivalries. The film was released in 1990 and was another successful collaboration between Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, becoming a fan favorite. There has been rampant speculation about a sequel from fans for years, with Cruise himself saying that he would be interested in returning to the franchise. Days of Thunder 2 is now officially moving forward, and excitement is building for the return of the iconic racing drama after all this time.

Now, the long-awaited sequel is finally taking shape with a returning star and a fresh creative team behind the wheel.  

Paramount has officially greenlit Days of Thunder 2, with Tom Cruise returning as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle and Jonathan Levine attached to direct the long-awaited sequel. Also returning from the original is Jerry Bruckheimer to produce, with Cruise joining him this time. Additionally, Will Staples is set to write the screenplay.  

On the other hand, Levine's Paramount negotiations signal renewed faith in the filmmaker after a string of positive early reactions to his upcoming sports drama Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story. The movie apparently left viewers spellbound during test screenings earlier this year.  Additionally, Levine’s filmography is diverse, having directed projects in a variety of genres including All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, 50/50, Warm Bodies, The Night Before, Long Shot and Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers.

Hence, the studio believes Levine can usher one of Cruise’s most cherished franchises into a new era with his addition. Meanwhile, little is known about the plot of Cruise’s upcoming movie. But the project is expected to be Cruise’s next feature, reviving one of his most beloved racing franchises.  

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Before the sequel races into theaters, here is a look back at the original film that made Cole Trickle one of Tom Cruise's most memorable characters. 

Days of Thunder is about talented young driver Cole Trickle, who is recruited to drive in NASCAR with the help of a veteran crew chief, Harry Hogge. While recovering from near-fatal crashes, Cole learns the ropes of stock car racing, makes bitter enemies, and falls in love with doctor Claire Lewicki. After experiencing a string of personal and professional losses, he returns to the track for the Daytona 500 and redeems himself with a thrilling win, solidifying his legacy as one of NASCAR’s best drivers.

Now, Days of Thunder 2 is on the horizon, bringing one of Tom Cruise’s favorite franchises back to life with the actor reprising his role as Cole Trickle and Jonathan Levine preparing to direct. Although the story is being kept under wraps, the Cruise-Jerry Bruckheimer pairing with a new creative team has generated a lot of buzz. With production in full swing, fans can look forward to seeing how the sequel continues the legacy of the 1990 racing classic and adds a new chapter for a modern audience.  

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Are you excited to see Tom Cruise return as Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder 2? Let us know in the comments.