Will Tom Cruise return to his role as Cole Trickle in the NASCAR-based Days of Thunder 2? Well, it seems that NASCAR could grab the opportunity to participate in a “Days of Thunder” sequel as COO Steve O’Donnell spoke to SBJ. However, he didn’t say whether a deal was actively being pursued.
“We’d love to see that,” O’Donnell said. “The more places we can expose NASCAR to with a broader audience, the better. With Netflix, when they’re advertising us in the middle of Times Square right now [for the ‘Full Speed’ docuseries] — that’s huge, and it shows what a great partner they already have been. So anytime you can expose the sport outside of a regular race weekend broadcast is big for us.”
Co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer assembled a cast that includes Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, and Nicole Kidman, as well as numerous appearances by notable NASCAR figures, on the 1990 release of the first picture from Paramount Pictures.
The film depicts Tom Cruise as Cole Trickle, an aspiring driver who is trying to make a name for himself. It has been noted that Tim Richmond, a former NASCAR driver, served as the inspiration for Trickle’s persona.
According to Box Office Mojo by IMDbPro, it became one of the most well-known NASCAR films in history and made $82 million at the box office in the United States and $75 million abroad.
In the first movie, Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR provided consultation. Among other raceways, Phoenix Raceway, Darlington Raceway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway were used for filming.
Could Tom Cruise return for Days of Thunder 2?
Last year, Giant Freakin Robot reported that Tom Cruise and “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski were “collaborating once more on Days of Thunder 2.” In 2022, reports suggested that Cruise had rejected a request to create a “Days of Thunder” series for Paramount+. Giant Freakin Robot added:
“Considering what we’ve learned, it’s tempting to speculate that — assuming THR’s report was accurate — Tom Cruise may have said no to the Days of Thunder series because of the possibility of a Days of Thunder 2.”
It’s worth noting that NASCAR retains close links with Bruckheimer. He served as the grand marshal at Rolex 24 at Daytona. NASCAR Holdings’ IMSA sports car series worked with Bruckheimer and his Apple Films crew as they shot scenes for the F1-themed film coming out next year.
NASCAR will commence its regular season this weekend with the Daytona 500.
