Tom Cruise 'Days Of Thunder' Sequel Has Jonathan Levine In Talks to Direct

Key Points:

• Jonathan Levine, director of "50/50," is in talks to helm the sequel to Paramount's "Days of Thunder," starring Tom Cruise, marking significant progress for the project after producer Jerry Bruckheimer's recent comments.
• The original "Days of Thunder" (1990), directed by Tony Scott and starring Cruise as rookie NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, grossed $157.9 million worldwide and was notable for introducing Nicole Kidman, who co-starred with Cruise in subsequent films.
• Tom Cruise is set to produce the sequel alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, with Will Staples writing the screenplay; Cruise has a history of successful Paramount collaborations, including "Top Gun: Maverick," which grossed $1.5 billion globally.
• Jonathan Levine recently directed Paramount's "Mr. Irrelevant," releasing on Christmas Day, and is known for films like "Warm Bodies" and "Longshot," bringing experience to the anticipated NASCAR sequel project.
• The "Days of Thunder" sequel follows renewed interest after Cruise's talks with Paramount two years ago and builds on the legacy of one of the biggest sports movies ever, which earned over $634 million worldwide.