NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon expresses desire to contribute to the production of a "Days of Thunder" sequel.
In the world of stock car racing, Hendrick Motorsports recently claimed victory in the prestigious Daytona 500 with driver William Byron. This triumph further cements the legacy of NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, who remains a major figure in the sport as vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports.
Gordon's connection to the racing world doesn't end on the track. He's also made waves off it, expressing a desire to be a part of a potential sequel to the 1990 film "Days of Thunder." This cult classic, which starred Tom Cruise as stock car racer Cole Trickle, is a beloved part of NASCAR history.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported last November that Cruise had discussed a "Days of Thunder" sequel with Paramount Pictures. Since then, Gordon has confirmed speaking with Cruise about the project on the sidelines of the Daytona 500, according to the Associated Press.
The potential "Days of Thunder" sequel mirrors the approach taken for the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," which revived another of Cruise's iconic roles. It's worth noting that Cruise has a confirmed third Top Gun film in his schedule.
Meanwhile, Apple's upcoming Formula 1 movie, which stars Brad Pitt, is set to hit theaters in June. The success of this film could influence the progress of the "Days of Thunder" sequel, as Cruise is also connected to this project. However, no detailed public updates on the "Days of Thunder" continuation negotiations or their results are available at this time.
Tom Cruise made an appearance at a 2015 NASCAR banquet to honour Jeff Gordon, further underscoring the bond between the racing world and Hollywood. As for Apple's Formula 1 movie, while it's not directly related to the "Days of Thunder" sequel, it does highlight the growing interest in sports-themed films.
It's an exciting time for fans of both NASCAR and classic films. As negotiations continue, we can only hope for a thrilling revival of "Days of Thunder" that captures the spirit of the original. Until then, we'll be keeping a close eye on developments in this unique crossover of racing and cinema.