Tom Cruise's potential return to the racetrack in a sequel to Days of Thunder. Paramount is in early negotiations with Cruise for the project, following his record-breaking success with Top Gun: Maverick. Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of both Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick, is also involved in discussions about returning for the sequel.

Tom Cruise might be heading back to the racetrack. Following the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise is reportedly in early talks with Paramount for a sequel to Days of Thunder, his 1990 NASCAR drama. The original film, like Top Gun, was directed by the late Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who is also involved in discussions for the sequel.

The negotiations come after Top Gun: Maverick broke box office records, proving that Cruise's star power is as strong as ever. While no other creatives are officially attached to the project yet, Cruise's packed schedule—promoting Mission: Impossible 8, filming Alejandro G. Iñárritu's next movie, and working on another Top Gun installment—means that this sequel may take some time before getting off the ground. Paramount representatives have not commented on the project.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced both Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick, is expected to reprise his role as producer for the sequel. Sources say Bruckheimer has been in discussions to return, hinting at another high-octane collaboration between him and Cruise.

The first Days of Thunder film follows Cole Trickle, a daring race car driver played by Cruise, who joins a new NASCAR team led by a retired racing legend, portrayed by Robert Duvall. The movie also marked the Hollywood debut of Nicole Kidman, who played a neurosurgeon who falls in love with Cole. Notably, Cruise received his only official writing credit for his work developing the story alongside screenwriter Robert Towne.

Although the movie received a mixed reception from critics and earned $157.9 million globally, it has gained a cult following over the years. With racing films like Ford v Ferrari and the upcoming Brad Pitt-led F1 from Maverick director Joseph Kosinski sparking renewed interest in the genre, a Days of Thunder sequel could find a receptive audience.