Tom Cruise’s “Days of Thunder” Sequel Gains Momentum with Jonathan Levine Set to Direct

Paramount Pictures is moving ahead with a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR drama Days of Thunder. The studio is negotiating with filmmaker Jonathan Levine to direct, while Tom Cruise will return as lead and co-produce with veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The screenplay is being written by Will Staples, whose recent credits include *Without Remorse*. The development update was reported by *The Hollywood Reporter* and echoed by *Variety*, *Deadline*, and *TheWrap*.

Deadline Hollywood

The original *Days of Thunder* debuted in summer 1990 under director Tony Scott. It introduced Cruise as rookie driver Cole Trickle and cultivated a dedicated fan base among racing enthusiasts.

Tom Cruise’s ‘Days of Thunder 2’ Officially Moving Forward With New Director

• Jonathan Levine – Known for genre-spanning work such as *All the Boys Love Mandy Lane*, *50/50*, *Warm Bodies*, *The Night Before*, and *Long Shot*. He most recently directed the sports drama *Mr. Irrelevant* for Paramount.

Hollywood Reporter

• Will Staples – Screenwriter of *Call of Duty 3: Modern Warfare* and co-writer of *Without Remorse*.

Tom Cruise To Return In Days Of Thunder 2

• Jerry Bruckheimer – Produced the original *Days of Thunder* and later partnered with Cruise on *Top Gun: Maverick* (2022).

‘Days of Thunder 2’ Is Finally Happening, Tom Cruise Set to Star

• Tom Cruise – Returns as Cole Trickle and adds a producing credit, positioning the sequel as his next major feature after the upcoming dark comedy *Digger*.

Variety Magazine

Financial figures for the 1990 film vary across reports:

Deadline Hollywood

• *Deadline*: domestic gross $82.6 million, worldwide $157.9 million.

Deadline Hollywood

• *TheWrap*: worldwide $158 million on a $60 million budget.

Jonathan Levine To Direct “Days of Thunder 2”

• *DarkHorizons* and *BleedingCool*: global total $157 million with the same budget.

Jonathan Levine To Direct “Days of Thunder 2”

These discrepancies illustrate the range of publicly available data but consistently indicate a modest commercial success relative to its budget.

Jonathan Levine To Direct “Days of Thunder 2”

*Variety* noted that the sequel follows Cruise’s recent success with *Top Gun: Maverick*, which grossed “just shy of $1.5 billion” worldwide. *Deadline* highlighted Bruckheimer’s remarks during the 2025 F1 press tour, signaling intent to revisit the NASCAR franchise. No official plot details or original supporting-cast confirmations have been released.

The Wrap

Sources differ on the exact worldwide earnings of the original film. The sequel’s storyline, release timetable, and additional casting remain undisclosed, and no other original cast members have been officially attached.

Jonathan Levine To Direct “Days of Thunder 2”

• November 2024 – Initial reports that Cruise is in talks to reprise his role.

Jonathan Levine To Direct “Days of Thunder 2”

• 2025 – Bruckheimer discusses a potential follow-up during the F1 press tour.

Days of Thunder 2 Gets Huge Update as Acclaimed Director Boards Tom Cruise Sequel Movie

• 2026 – Outlets report that Jonathan Levine is in negotiations to direct; the sequel is described as “officially moving forward.”

Jonathan Levine in Talks to Direct ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel with Tom Cruise Returning