Paramount is moving ahead with “Days of Thunder 2”, with Jonathan Levine in talks to direct returning star Tom Cruise in the sequel to the 1990 racing drama.

Cruise will return as Cole Trickle, the NASCAR driver he played in the original film. He will also produce the sequel alongside Jerry Bruckheimer. Will Staples wrote the screenplay.

Cruise Returns to a Classic Role

The original “Days of Thunder” followed Trickle as he joined a NASCAR team under the guidance of a retired racing legend played by Robert Duvall.

The film also marked a key moment in Cruise’s personal life. He met Nicole Kidman on the set, and the pair later married.

News of the sequel first surfaced in November 2024 when reports revealed that Cruise was discussing a return to the franchise.

The project follows another successful revival for the actor. Cruise reunited with Paramount for the 2022 “Top Gun” sequel, which became a global hit.

The film earned nearly $1.5 billion at the worldwide box office. It also received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Sound.

Levine’s Growing Relationship With Paramount

Levine already has strong ties to the studio. Paramount will release his latest film, “Mr Irrelevant,” on Christmas Day.

David Corenswet stars as John Tuggle, known as the “Mr Irrelevant” of the 1983 NFL Draft. He was the final player selected by the New York Giants. The film explores his lasting impact on his team and teammates.

Levine has directed several popular films, including “50/50,” “Warm Bodies,” “Long Shot,” and “The Night Before.” He also recently directed episodes of “Nine Perfect Strangers,” which stars Kidman.

What’s Next for Cruise?

Cruise is also preparing for the release of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s dark comedy “Digger.” Warner Bros. plans to release the film on Oct. 2.