'Days of Thunder 2': Jonathan Levine in Talks to Direct Tom Cruise in Paramount's Racing Sequel (Exclusive)

HOLLYWOOD, July 22, 2026 - Paramount Pictures is revving up for a long-awaited return to the track, with Warm Bodies and The Disaster Artist director Jonathan Levine in early negotiations to helm Days of Thunder 2, the sequel to the 1990 racing classic starring Tom Cruise.

Sources confirm to Hollywood Buzz News that Cruise is attached to reprise his role as Cole Trickle, the hotshot stock car driver who dominated the original film. While a deal is not yet finalized, Levine has emerged as the frontrunner to direct the project, which has been in various stages of development for years. The studio declined to comment on the negotiations, but insiders indicate that Levine's ability to blend character-driven drama with narrative momentum made him a strong fit for the sequel.

A Familiar Track with New Direction

The original Days of Thunder, directed by the late Tony Scott, followed Cole Trickle, a talented but unproven driver who gets a shot at NASCAR glory under the guidance of veteran crew chief Harry Hogge, played by Robert Duvall. The film featured an ensemble cast that included Nicole Kidman as Dr. Claire Lewicki, Randy Quaid as team owner Tim Dalander, and Cary Elwes as rival driver Russ Wheeler. With a runtime of 107 minutes, the movie earned a TMDb rating of 6.4 out of 10 and became a cult favorite for its high-octane racing sequences and dramatic rivalries.

Now, 36 years after its release, the sequel aims to reignite Cruise's passion for speed-something he has continued to demonstrate in blockbusters like the Mission: Impossible franchise and Top Gun: Maverick. The actor has remained deeply involved in the project's development, and his commitment to practical stunts and real racing authenticity is expected to carry over into the sequel.

Levine, known for his eclectic filmography that ranges from zombie romance (Warm Bodies) to Hollywood satire (The Disaster Artist) and horror (The Invisible Man-he produced the 2020 hit), has shown a knack for balancing emotional weight with genre sensibilities. He recently directed the critically praised drama A Christmas Carol for Netflix, but Days of Thunder 2 would mark his first major studio sequel and his first foray into the racing genre.

What to Expect from the Sequel

Plot details remain under wraps, but sources indicate that the story will follow an older, wiser Cole Trickle as he navigates a new generation of drivers and technology in the world of stock car racing. The sequel is expected to honor the spirit of the original while modernizing its approach to both character and competition. Given Cruise's current age of 64, the narrative may explore themes of legacy, mortality, and the challenge of staying relevant in a sport that has evolved dramatically since the early 1990s.

It remains unclear whether original cast members like Duvall, Kidman, or Elwes will return. Duvall, now 95, has largely retired from acting, though he has not officially ruled out cameo appearances. Kidman, who played Dr. Lewicki and went on to become one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actresses, has expressed fondness for the original film but has not commented on a potential return.

The racing world itself has changed profoundly since the original's release, with advancements in safety, car design, and data analytics reshaping the sport. The sequel is expected to reflect those changes, potentially incorporating real NASCAR elements and modern racing technology to ground the story in authenticity. Cruise, known for his meticulous preparation, has been seen at multiple NASCAR events in recent years, fueling speculation that he has been immersing himself in the sport for the role.

Paramount's Bet on a Legacy Sequel

Paramount has been aggressively mining its catalog for franchise revivals, with Top Gun: Maverick becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2022 and reigniting interest in Cruise's earlier work. A Days of Thunder sequel has been rumored for years, but the studio's patience appears to be paying off as they assemble a creative team capable of delivering both nostalgia and fresh storytelling.

The original film was produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, the powerhouse duo behind Top Gun and Beverly Hills Cop. While Bruckheimer remains active as a producer, it is unclear whether he will be involved in the sequel. Cruise, through his production company, has taken an increasingly hands-on role in shaping his projects, and sources say he is committed to ensuring the sequel honors the original while standing on its own.

A targeted release date has not been announced, but production could begin as early as 2027, pending Levine's final negotiations and script development. Screenwriter Ehren Kruger, who worked on Top Gun: Maverick, has been attached to write the script, though his involvement may evolve as Levine puts his own stamp on the project.

For now, Hollywood Buzz News will continue to track this developing story. The combination of Cruise's star power, Levine's directorial vision, and Paramount's desire to capitalize on a beloved IP makes Days of Thunder 2 one of the most anticipated sequels in development. Whether it will match the lightning-in-a-bottle success of Top Gun: Maverick remains to be seen, but the industry is watching closely as the pieces fall into place.

Source: Hollywood Reporter