Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder Deserves a Sequel After Top Gun: Maverick’s Massive Success

by

In recent years, Tom Cruise’s devotion to large-scale, cinematic Hollywood movie production, centered around theaters, has been truly awe-inspiring. Amidst numerous studios and filmmakers shifting away from theater releases, practical effects, stunts, and innovative concepts, individuals like Tom Cruise are increasingly hard to come by.

Movies such as the Mission: Impossible series and this year’s Top Gun: Maverick demonstrate that Tom Cruise remains an unstoppable force in his superstardom, and despite fluctuations in popularity throughout the years, he is more cherished than ever before. Following the immense success of Top Gun: Maverick, another film directed by Tony Scott from the original Top Gun era seems ripe for a legacy sequel, with Tom Cruise reprising his role – we’re talking about the 1990s classic Days of Thunder.

Days of Thunder Is One of Cruise’s Most Underrated Films

The Racing Epic Is Packed With Unforgettable Action and Drama

Four years after the blockbuster hit “Top Gun,” rising star Tom Cruise reunited to create another high-octane adventure with 1990’s “Days of Thunder.” Much like its predecessor, this film was shot with the same level of intensity and contemporary style that made “Top Gun” a classic. Even today, “Days of Thunder” stands out among early ’90s films as remarkably modern-feeling. It’s surprising to think that it was released thirty-five years ago, given Tom Cruise’s enduring fame since then, Tony Scott’s directional style has remained timeless, and the effects and stunt work continue to be unmatched.

In many conversations about the acting career of Tom Cruise, the movie “Days of Thunder” is rarely mentioned. This film is often criticized as a poor imitation of “Top Gun,” but this assessment doesn’t fully capture the complexity of the movie. While it does share similarities with the fighter pilot classic, its focus on a personal, sports-based setting rather than a military operation gives it a unique appeal. Tom Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, undergoes an exceptionally compelling character development throughout “Days of Thunder.” Although it may not be as deep or philosophical as some of Cruise’s other roles, his portrayal of Trickle is genuinely moving. He conveys a genuine sense of emotional turmoil and tension that makes the character and his world within the film captivating. This commitment to the role is what truly showcases Tom Cruise’s talent.

Beyond its compelling character development, the movie “Days of Thunder” showcases some of the most breathtaking scenes of high-speed automobile racing ever captured on film. Given when it was produced, the race sequences in “Days of Thunder” are simply awe-inspiring to watch. Tony Scott’s direction elevates this movie from potentially being just another mediocre action flick into an intense, heart-pounding experience filled with excitement and adrenaline. It’s no wonder that Tony Scott has become the benchmark for modern action filmmaking, and “Days of Thunder” is a clear demonstration of his talent.

Days of Thunder Is Perfect For A Maverick-Style Legacy Sequel

The Nature of The Film Expertly Primes It For A Modern-Day Follow-Up

The core of “Days of Thunder” revolves significantly around the dynamic between the ambitious rookie, portrayed by Tom Cruise, and the seasoned racing veteran, Robert Duvall’s character. This mentor-protégé bond is a crucial factor in the movie’s success, and the concept of legacy plays a significant role. Given this, a sequel reminiscent of “Top Gun: Maverick” for “Days of Thunder” would be highly successful. This narrative direction seems natural given the story and characters, yet it remains compelling. With Tom Cruise maturing into the role, he could convincingly portray an aged Cole Trickle, while a new, promising racer could contest his methods and thoughts.

Interestingly, the forthcoming Formula 1 movie, which is being directed by none other than the man behind Top Gun: Maverick, appears set to deliver another adrenaline-pumping spectacle much like F1. The trailers suggest that this movie will feature real Formula-1 cars, practical stunts, and effects, along with a narrative about an aging driver battling a younger rival – a plot point reminiscent of a Days of Thunder sequel. However, given the similarities between the two stories, a follow-up to the original Tony Scott racing classic would likely need to take a different approach – something that Tom Cruise and his team could easily accomplish. The role played by Robert Duvall in the original film was primarily a supporting one, and this wouldn’t be the case in a legacy sequel featuring Tom Cruise. Sidelining the original star in such a significant way would be ill-advised and not beneficial for the storyline of the film.

If instead, the hypothetical sequel to “Days of Thunder” were to follow a narrative similar to that of “Rocky Balboa,” focusing on an aging racing legend fighting to reclaim his glory days, then this film could offer a fresh and thrilling perspective. Although Cole Trickle may not be as iconic as Rocky in today’s cultural landscape, within the universe of “Days of Thunder,” his character showcased the potential to become one of the greatest stock car racers ever. Post his rise and fall, witnessing Trickle’s comeback would undoubtedly make for a captivating tale. Over the years, Tom Cruise has honed his acting skills, demonstrating a more nuanced performance. A return to the “Days of Thunder” franchise could provide him with an opportunity to deliver one of his most emotionally charged roles in recent memory.

A Brand-New Modern Action Franchise Starring Tom Cruise Would Be Incredible To See

Establishing Days of Thunder In The Modern Hollywood Landscape Would Help Push The Action Genre Forward

Following the success of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise is seeking a fresh action series to continue his dominance in Hollywood blockbusters. Given his commitment to acting, he requires a new platform for his dynamic and thrilling artistic talents. A sequel to Days of Thunder, with its focus on high-octane stunts, could serve as the foundation for a new franchise for the star. Reminiscent of the Rocky series, it has the potential to become a lengthy and beloved collection of films. The original Days of Thunder didn’t revolutionize the action genre or racing world, but it was a valuable addition to both Tom Cruise’s and Tony Scott’s established careers.

Originally released as an action-packed movie in 1990, Days of Thunder had the potential to launch an entire genre of innovative filmmaking. Many were hesitant about a Days of Thunder sequel after so many years since the original, but its high-octane appeal could have easily been tapped with a follow-up. It seems primed to become the next Top Gun: Maverick, and it would be a missed opportunity for Hollywood not to capitalize on this potential. The blend of intense action scenes, realistic stunts and effects, and Tom Cruise in the main role makes Days of Thunder an ideal candidate for a contemporary sequel, especially considering Tom Cruise’s expressed interest in a sequel. This franchise should be at the top of Hollywood’s list.

The classic film “Days of Thunder” is often overlooked, but a brilliant follow-up could rectify this situation. Movie enthusiasts would eagerly revisit Tony Scott’s masterpiece if given a contemporary sequel – and that’s exactly what the team behind Tom Cruise should be aiming for.

Just as another Tom Cruise movie drew on its ties to “The Hustler,” a new stock car racing film featuring Tom Cruise could skillfully leverage “Days of Thunder” and everything connected with it. Legacy sequels aren’t always successful, but when executed correctly, they can be powerful tools for franchise expansion in cinema. “Days of Thunder” deserves a legacy sequel and could mark the start of a new era in Tom Cruise’s action-packed filmography.

Read More

2025-07-05 20:06