NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve O’Donnell, has opened up on the possibility of a ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel.
This comes as fans of the original 1990 film, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, speculate about the potential of revisiting the speed-fueled world that boosted NASCAR’s popularity.
Released at the turn of the decade, ‘Days of Thunder’ caught some critics off guard with mixed reviews, but its influence was palpable as NASCAR experienced a surge in viewership and engagement in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The 1990 film cemented its place in pop culture by bringing the thrill of NASCAR to the big screen. Directed by Tony Scott and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, ‘Days of Thunder’ followed Cole Trickle, played by Tom Cruise.
NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell speaks during the 2024 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards at the Majestic Downtown Los Angeles on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NASCAR COO opens up on ‘Days… NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell speaks during the 2024 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards at the Majestic Downtown Los Angeles on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NASCAR COO opens up on ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel discussions. More Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
Fast forward to 2024, discussions surrounding a potential sequel have been initiated. Paramount Pictures is reportedly in talks with Cruise, exploring the possibility of him reprising his role as Cole Trickle.
There is speculation that the sequel could draw parallels with the successful revival of another iconic Cruise film, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, perhaps following an older, wiser Cole mentoring a fresh face in the competitive world of NASCAR. The studio had previously considered a TV reboot, but plans were shelved in favor of focusing on a movie sequel.
Speaking about the rumors of the sequel, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell explained to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal:
NASCAR Chief Opens Up On Days Of Thunder Sequel Discussions
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