tom cruise is back at the center of fresh sequel chatter as a Hollywood film writer has been meeting with NASCAR teams and drivers to help develop a plot for a “Days of Thunder” follow-up. The latest development was described as one of the most tangible signs yet that the film is being seriously pursued. The meetings and track visits referenced in the new details span recent races, including the Phoenix championship in November and the Daytona 500 last month, with timing referenced to ongoing industry conversation as of 1 p. m. ET.
What’s known right now about the “Days of Thunder” sequel work
The new information centers on a single, concrete point: a Hollywood film writer has been engaging directly with NASCAR stakeholders in person. Four the writer has been at recent races, including the Phoenix championship in November and the Daytona 500 last month, and has been meeting with some teams and drivers to help develop a plot for the sequel.
Two people identified the writer as Will Staples. His credits were described as including contributions to “Without Remorse” and “The Right Stuff, ” along with work on the video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Tom Cruise and the original film’s ties to NASCAR
The original “Days of Thunder, ” released in 1990, followed the fictional race car driver Cole Trickle as he reaches NASCAR. In that film, Cole Trickle was played by tom cruise, linking the actor directly to the property now being discussed for a sequel.
The 1990 movie was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film also included real-life NASCAR personalities, including Richard Petty, underscoring the franchise’s on-track ties and explaining why development work could involve direct conversations with teams and drivers.
Immediate reactions and on-the-record positioning
In recent years, comments have been made by Cruise and by producer Jerry Bruckheimer indicating a sequel is in the works. The newest details about a writer’s trackside presence and meetings add a specific layer to that broader message: the project is not just being discussed in abstract terms, but appears to be drawing on direct input from within NASCAR.
At this stage, the information available does not specify which NASCAR teams or drivers were involved in the meetings, what story direction is being explored, or any timeline for production. No official release details were provided in the material available as of 1 p. m. ET.
Quick context: why this update matters
This development stands out because it points to practical, on-the-ground story work rather than general interest. A writer being present at major events like the Daytona 500 and the Phoenix championship signals an effort to build a plot with direct exposure to the sport.
What’s next
The next concrete signal would be confirmation of the writer’s role, additional details on the scope of NASCAR participation, or any official production steps tied to Paramount Pictures or Jerry Bruckheimer Films. For now, the most verifiable takeaway remains the direct outreach: a Hollywood writer has been meeting with teams and drivers, a notable step as “Days of Thunder” sequel talk continues to orbit tom cruise.
