NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon has expressed his enthusiasm for a potential sequel to the 1990 cult classic “Days of Thunder,” revealing that he has spoken with Tom Cruise about making it happen.
According to the Associated Press, Gordon, speaking on the sidelines of this past weekend’s Daytona 500, confirmed that he had been in touch with Cruise regarding the project.
“I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project,” Gordon said. “We want to be a part of it if it were to happen.”
Interest in a sequel to Days of Thunder, which starred Cruise as stock car racer Cole Trickle, has been swirling since The Hollywood Reporter first reported last November that Cruise had discussed the idea with Paramount Pictures. The approach mirrors how Cruise revived another of his iconic roles in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” a hugely successful sequel to 1986’s “Top Gun.”
Despite Cruise’s interest in the project, he has yet to fully commit to it. His packed schedule includes a confirmed third Top Gun film, as well as several other projects in development.
Another factor that could influence Cruise’s decision is Apple’s upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt, which is set to hit theaters in June. The film’s success could play a role in determining whether a Days of Thunder sequel moves forward.
Cruise and Gordon have a history, with Cruise making an appearance at a 2015 NASCAR banquet to honor Gordon as the four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion retired from full-time racing. Gordon remains a major figure in the sport as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. The team recently claimed victory in the Daytona 500 with driver William Byron, further cementing Gordon’s legacy in the sport.