Jonathan Levine in Talks to Direct Tom Cruise's 'Days of Thunder' Sequel
Tom Cruise is set to return as star and producer for the Paramount legacyquel, with Jerry Bruckheimer also back to produce.
“Paramount’s “ Days of Thunder ” sequel is shaping up with Jonathan Levine (“50/50,” “Warm Bodies”) in negotiations to direct returning star Tom Cruise.”
- Director
- Tony Scott (1990 original)
- Starring
- Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman
- Release
- 1990
- Genre
- Adventure, Action, Drama
- Where to Watch
- Paramount+, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Philo, AMC+
Jonathan Levine is in negotiations to direct a sequel to the 1990 racing film Days of Thunder for Paramount.
The Warm Bodies and 50/50 filmmaker would helm the project, which sees Tom Cruise set to return as star and producer.
What is the status of the sequel?
This development is the first major sign the project is moving forward. Talks of a sequel have circulated for years, with news of Cruise's involvement first surfacing in late 2024. Screenwriter Will Staples, known for the Michael B. Jordan action film Without Remorse, has penned the script for the follow-up.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news of Levine's involvement.
Why is this a big deal for Paramount?
Paramount is hoping to replicate the success of Top Gun: Maverick, another long-awaited legacyquel that reunited Cruise with a classic role. That 2022 film became one of the studio's highest-grossing releases ever and earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Days of Thunder was originally conceived as a spiritual successor to Top Gun, swapping fighter jets for NASCAR. The 1990 film starred Cruise as hot-headed rookie driver Cole Trickle and also featured Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, and Nicole Kidman. Cruise and Kidman met on set and were later married for 11 years.
What is Jonathan Levine's connection to Paramount?
Levine already has a partnership with the studio. Paramount is set to release his upcoming football drama, Mr. Irrelevant, starring David Corenswet, on Christmas Day. The director's recent work also includes episodes of the Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers, which starred Nicole Kidman.
Cruise's next project is Alejandro G.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any other original cast members return for Days of Thunder 2?
Reports focus solely on Tom Cruise's return as star and producer.
When will the Days of Thunder sequel be released?
No release date has been announced. The project is still in early development, with a director in talks and a script completed. A production timeline and release window will likely be set once the deal is finalized and pre-production begins.
What is a 'legacyquel'?
A legacyquel is a sequel produced many years after the original film, often bringing back the original star to reprise their iconic role for a new generation. It aims to continue the story while honoring the legacy of the first film, similar to projects like Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming Days of Thunder follow-up.
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