Tom Cruise established himself as a bankable commercial star with a string of stylish action movies during the 1980s and 1990s. One of the projects that contributed to Cruise’s early success was the 1990 sports action-drama film Days of Thunder, which received mixed reviews but was a commercial success at the box office.
According to reports, Cruise is eyeing a sequel to the film revolving around the NASCAR racing scene. However, if the proposed sequel is supposed to be a hit revival in the vein of Top Gun 2, Cruise needs to avoid one crucial mistake from the first installment that still haunts its legacy. Here is what Tom Cruise needs to change for Days of Thunder 2 to succeed.
Real NASCAR Drivers Criticized Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder
Tom Cruise starred in the 1990 sports action-drama Days of Thunder, directed by Tony Scott. It follows Cole Trickle, a talented racer as he navigates the tough terrains of NASCAR racing. The film received mixed reviews and grossed $157.9 million against a $60 million budget.
Despite the film’s moderate commercial success, it failed to deliver in the authenticity department, especially when capturing the NASCAR racing scene. According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, NASCAR drivers were unhappy with the film’s portrayal of the racing scene.
I don’t think they did us justice. They portrayed us like we’re running bumper cars.
Driver Alan Kulwicki told the above to the publication, expressing his disappointment over the film’s depiction of NASCAR drivers.
Similarly, other drivers were also left unimpressed, especially after producer Don Simpson had promised NASCAR president Bill France Jr that the film would change the sport’s image in the mainstream media. As a result, NASCAR greatly cooperated with the film’s production. However, most drivers and pit crew workers felt the film lacked authenticity.
Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder 2 Needs to Make One Crucial Change
The first film’s lack of authenticity is no secret since drivers around the NASCAR paddock had criticized the film for its poor depiction of their motorsport. As a result, if Cruise’s proposed sequel has to achieve critical and commercial success, it needs to avoid making the same mistake.
A sequel to the 1990 film was first reported to be in development in November 2024. However, the sequel is still in the early stages of development, and Paramount Pictures, who produced the first installment is looking for writers to attach to the project.
The first installment was also heavily criticized for its lack of originality. As a result, if Cruise wants the project to succeed, it needs to drive away from the formula that made Top Gun: Maverick a massive blockbuster.
Instead, the sequel needs to go back to its racing roots and focus on authentically capturing the NASCAR racing experience. As a result, the sequel must right the wrongs of the first installment.
Cruise is currently busy with the eighth entry in his Mission: Impossible franchise and a third installment in the Top Gun franchise is also reportedly a high priority for the studio. As a result, it remains to be seen where the anticipated Days of Thunder 2 falls into the actor’s busy schedule.
Days of Thunder is streaming on Paramount+.
