As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the year 2025 has been brimming with long-awaited sequels, bringing back beloved franchises after years of hibernation. It seems that the cinematic landscape is largely ruled by remakes, reboots, and live-action adaptations of animated classics, alongside the usual sequels. However, what’s truly captivating about 2025’s sequel offerings is their ability to breathe fresh creativity into big-budget productions—a quality that’s often hard to come by in today’s Hollywood.
2025 will see some well-known movie franchises making their comeback, but what truly excites film enthusiasts are the fresh and indie productions gracing our screens. One such highly anticipated release is “F1 The Movie,” directed by Joseph Kosinski, featuring Brad Pitt as a race car driver competing in Formula 1. This action-packed, big-budget production lives up to the buzz surrounding it.
Another way to put it is: Tom Cruise, a renowned movie star known for his blockbuster roles, is back on screen with his last film in his iconic franchise – “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”. Although it didn’t break the box-office record, the movie generated significant buzz. This resurgence has sparked discussions about a potential sequel to one of Cruise’s underappreciated films.
Days Of Thunder Remains Tom Cruise’s Most Underrated Action Movie
Cole Trickle Is A Memorable Protagonist
In recent times, no one has left a more significant mark on the action movie genre than Tom Cruise. His influence extends as far back as the film “Days of Thunder.” He redefined cinema with breathtaking stunts in the “Mission: Impossible” series. Over time, Tom Cruise’s daring exploits have become synonymous with his identity and a defining aspect of his career.
As a movie enthusiast, I must admit that Tom Cruise has been an unparalleled force in Hollywood since the ’80s, particularly after his electrifying debut as a high-flying action hero in the iconic film Top Gun. Yet, some of his earlier masterpieces, such as the pulse-pounding racing drama Days of Thunder, often get overshadowed by his blockbuster hits. Despite Tom Cruise performing some of his most daring stunts outside the Mission: Impossible series in this film, it remains undervalued and deserves a second look.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Tom Cruise often portrayed characters like Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder. These roles were marked by a rough exterior, impulsiveness, and a knack for taking risks that made him a challenging yet gifted pick for his employers. The movie has certain plot issues, particularly the predictable resolution without intense conflict. Despite these flaws, Cruise delivers an outstanding performance in Days of Thunder, demonstrating his prowess not just as an actor but also as an action star.
In the movie “Days of Thunder,” the car racing sequences are absolutely thrilling, keeping spectators on tenterhooks as vehicles dart in and out of sight, with Tom Cruise’s stunts growing increasingly daring by the second. The pulse-pounding excitement that viewers experience while watching “Days of Thunder” certainly deserves more recognition.
Watching Days of Thunder, even those indifferent to car racing can’t help but get caught up in the enthusiasm for Cole Trickle and his team. Intriguing technical discussions, though few, may even spark curiosity as viewers find themselves cheering for Tom Cruise’s character. Although other parts might not stand out, the exhilarating races are indelibly etched in memory.
Tom Cruise’s Days Of Thunder Deserves A Sequel
His Sequels Rarely Disappoint
Tom Cruise, renowned for his roles in numerous legendary sequels, such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” played a crucial part in reviving cinemas post-COVID-19 pandemic as they faced closure. The anticipation for Tom Cruise’s potential return in “Days of Thunder 2” is high due to the triumph and excellence of “Top Gun: Maverick,” as sequels often promise even greater success.
As a cinephile reminiscing about the past, I must admit that “Days of Thunder” doesn’t quite reach the electrifying heights of “Top Gun,” which is forever linked to an iconic 80s tune. The characters in “Thunder” aren’t as captivating, and its score lacks the staying power of the latter. However, I must say that “Days of Thunder” delivers a pulse-pounding experience. The NASCAR races are skillfully captured on screen, amplifying the heart-stopping allure of car racing for the audience.
In a potential sequel to “Days of Thunder,” Cole Trickle’s character, who embodies a gritty hero that modern films might not emphasize, could undergo transformation as he adapts to a changing world. This evolution would involve him softening his abrasive nature, reevaluating his racing ethics, and improving his relationships with teammates and others in his life. The sequel also offers an opportunity to expand the story’s world and address some of the original film’s noticeable weaknesses.
Beyond doubt, the film “Days of Thunder” remains underappreciated in Tom Cruise’s body of work. A sequel could be a fantastic opportunity to reintroduce Cole Trickle and the thrill of watching him race in NASCAR to a new audience. With his current acting skills seamlessly blending drama and high-risk stunts, this seems like the perfect moment for a “Days of Thunder” revival.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m excited about the possibility that Tom Cruise might be dedicating some of his schedule to a new installment of “Days of Thunder,” given that “The Final Reckoning” could mark the end of his Mission: Impossible journey. Christopher McQuarrie has been an exceptional director for the Mission: Impossible series since 2015, but now with Tom Cruise moving on from his iconic role, he’s got more room to explore other intriguing projects.
Days of Thunder 2 Is A Natural Choice After The Recent Success Of Racing Movies
The Genre Has Found Traction In Recent Years
As a movie enthusiast who’s always got a soft spot for speed, I can’t help but marvel at the thrilling world of racing films in action cinema. Some of the most iconic NASCAR movies trace their roots back to the swinging ’60s and the high-octane ’80s. But it’s been the last few decades that have seen an impressive boom in these heart-pounding racers, with many of them raking in big bucks at the box office and garnering critical acclaim too.
| Recent Racing Movies | ||
| Movie | Year | Director |
| Ford v Ferrari | 2019 | James Mangold |
| Gran Turismo | 2023 | Neill Blomkamp |
| Ferrari | 2023 | Michael Mann |
| Race for Glory: Audi vs Lancia | 2024 | Stefano Mordini |
| F1 The Movie | 2025 | Joseph Kosinski |
James Mangold’s “Ford V Ferrari,” a movie that garnered a nomination for Best Picture at the 2020 Academy Awards, is widely considered one of the best racing films ever made, excluding documentaries. It stands as the pinnacle of racing cinema in recent times, demonstrating the current appeal of films centered around racing, whether they are based on real events or entirely fictional.
The massive popularity of “F1 The Movie,” released just last week, demonstrates that fast-paced racing films with minimal focus on character depth or intricate world-building, as long as they deliver thrilling races, still capture audiences today. As a result, a sequel to “Days of Thunder,” which is mainly remembered for its exhilarating races, seems a logical next step.
Top Gun: Maverick & F1 Prove Joseph Kosinski Is The Perfect Director For Days Of Thunder 2
He Has A Proven Track Record
Contrary to popular belief, the movie TRON: Legacy, despite being a famous film, isn’t nearly as poor as many seem to recall it. As Joseph Kosinski’s first directorial effort, it showcases his knack for capturing fast-paced action and transforming automotive movement into an engaging spectacle. The pulsating electronic soundtrack by Daft Punk only serves to amplify the excitement of these sequences.
Kosinski demonstrates his proficiency in automotive cinematography through the movie “F1 The Movie“, which could potentially transform how races are filmed and edited. The strategic camera angles and well-timed cuts keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the cars race alongside each other towards the finish line. This style harmonizes beautifully with Hans Zimmer’s outstanding background music.
As a seasoned movie critic, I can confidently say that Joseph Kosinski aced his directorial test with style when he convincingly demonstrated that the iconic 1980s film, Top Gun, was indeed worthy of a follow-up. Top Gun: Maverick, an adrenaline-pumping action flick, surpassed all anticipations by rekindling the exhilaration of the original while tastefully modernizing it to create a legacy sequel brimming with heart.
Hans Zimmer often works with Kosinski, and their collaborations on movies like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “TRON: Legacy” demonstrate the director’s knack for reviving classic intellectual properties. Moreover, “F1 The Movie” boasts some of the best racing cinematography in recent years, which further highlights Kosinski’s suitability to direct a “Days of Thunder” sequel. Interestingly, he has also expressed a desire for a crossover featuring Cole Trickle and Sonny Hayes, as shared in an interview with GQ magazine.
Why A Days Of Thunder/F1 Crossover Could Work
Their Worlds Exist In Close Proximity
In the movie Days of Thunder, it concludes with Tom Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, triumphing in the Daytona 500. Conversely, F1 The Movie opens with Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, clinching victory in the Daytona 24 race. However, at the end of the movie, there is a phase in his life where he was participating in NASCAR races. Even if he decides to pursue Formula One racing afterwards, he has already experienced competing in NASCAR events.
In a possible scenario, movies preceding “F1 The Movie” and following “Days of Thunder” could bring together the characters of Sonny Hayes and Cole Trickle, played by Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt respectively. Although both actors have achieved immense stardom and their careers intersect over time, they’ve only appeared on screen together in the horror film “Interview with the Vampire”. A crossover would offer fans another opportunity to witness their interaction.
What We Know About Plans For Days Of Thunder 2
Tom Cruise Has Confirmed It
Next year, Days of Thunder will turn as old as Top Gun was when Top Gun: Maverick hit theaters. Although an official release date hasn’t been set, Tom Cruise has confirmed that a new installment of Days of Thunder is underway. He’s eager to work on both Top Gun 3 and Days of Thunder 2.
Tom Cruise’s recent statements hint at the possibility of a new “Days of Thunder” movie, as the actor’s enthusiasm for the project suggests he believes it merits continuation. Given his love for film and his history of taking bold career moves, fans can be excited about the prospect of hearing an official announcement soon.
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2025-07-06 14:00