A Hollywood film writer has been meeting with some NASCAR teams and drivers to help develop a plot for a “Days of Thunder” sequel, according to people familiar with the matter, in one of the most tangible signs yet the film is being seriously pursued.
Released in 1990, the original film was about fictional race car driver Cole Trickle, played by Tom Cruise, and his trials and tribulations when he makes it to NASCAR. The movie was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films and distributed by Paramount Pictures, and it featured real-life NASCAR personalities such as Richard Petty.
In recent years, reports have emerged and comments have been made by Cruise and Bruckheimer indicating a sequel is in the works. No official announcement has been made, and NASCAR has been reticent to comment other than confirming that it would be delighted to see a sequel happen.
However, four people familiar with the matter said a Hollywood writer has been at recent races, including the Phoenix championship in November and the Daytona 500 last month. Two people identified the writer as Will Staples, who has contributed to the movie “Without Remorse,” along with “The Right Stuff” movie and the “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” video game, according to his IMDb listing.