NASCAR and movie fans, rejoice: Days of Thunder 2 is closer than it's ever been.
It's been rumored for years that Tom Cruise has been trying to work out the details of a sequel to his 1990 NASCAR film – rumors that Cruise himself has helped cultivate – and movie insiders have brought some good news this week.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed on Wednesday that Paramount has stepped up the timeline for the long-awaited second instalment, even picking out a director.
Jonathan Levine is now slated to handle the film, with test screenings of his upcoming sports film Mr. Irrelevant reportedly looking very positive. The script, meanwhile, will be written by Will Staples (Without Remorse).
READ MORE: NASCAR announces new documentary featuring much-awaited Kurt Busch interview
NASCAR legend: Tom Cruise 'serious' about Days of Thunder return
Various reports claim that the movie will start shooting as soon as early 2027, with THR writing that the Mission Impossible star's return to NASCAR is 'intended to be Cruise’s next production'.
NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon spoke earlier this year about rumors that a Days of Thunder sequel was in the offing, revealing that Cruise had insisted to him that it was still on his mind.
"I’m certainly optimistic and hopeful," Gordon said in March. "I saw Tom one or two years ago. He actually brought it up then. We were just laughing a bit. He said, 'No, I’m serious, this is going to happen'.
"When Tom Cruise says that, you take it serious. That would be exciting to see the sport to be able to be a part of that."
READ MORE: NASCAR Cup Series - Clinch scenarios for the Chase at the Brickyard 400
