Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt may be on the verge of sharing the screen again for a unique Tom Cruise F1 crossover Days of Thunder, as director Joseph Kosinski, known for helming Top Gun: Maverick and now F1: The Movie, hinted at a possible racing reunion involving both stars. The talk comes as Kosinski shared his vision for an epic sequel that would bring Cruise’s iconic Days of Thunder character, Cole Trickle, into the world of Pitt’s new F1 drama.
Kosinski, who recently directed Pitt in F1: The Movie, spoke to GQ Magazine about his dream scenario for a sequel. He described how Cruise and Pitt only previously appeared together in the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire, a cinematic pairing that still resonates with audiences. Pitt expressed interest in collaborating with Cruise again, particularly if he could avoid the daring stunts Cruise is known for. Kosinski, with his experience working with both actors, considered this the perfect intersection for a crossover between the two racing-themed films.
Director Joseph Kosinski Lays Out His Crossover Vision
During his interview, Kosinski elaborated on the premise he envisions for this potential collaboration. He suggested that Cruise’s character from Days of Thunder, Cole Trickle, and Pitt’s new racing protagonist Sonny Hayes might have shared a competitive history in the past, opening the door for a rivalry to play out on the big screen. This would not only reunite Cruise and Pitt, but also blend the recognizable elements from both the beloved 1990 racing film and the new F1 project.
“Well, right now, it’d be Cole Trickle, who was [Cruise’s] Days of Thunder character, we find out that he and [Brad Pitt’s] Sonny Hayes have a past. They were rivals at some point, maybe crossed paths…I heard about this epic go-kart battle on Interview With the Vampire that Brad and Tom had, and who wouldn’t pay to see those two go head-to-head on the track?”
—Joseph Kosinski, Director
Kosinski’s comments have ignited excitement among fans, as there has already been talk of a potential Days of Thunder sequel in the works. Cruise reportedly acknowledged in recent promotional interviews for Mission: Impossible that discussions about revisiting his NASCAR-themed character were ongoing.
Behind the Scenes of the F1 Film and Cast Achievements
F1: The Movie, which stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, has already drawn attention for Pitt’s ability to handle the specially designed race vehicles on set. Kosinski highlighted Pitt’s skills as essential to the project, and early impressions of the movie have been highly positive. F1 currently holds an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its strong pre-sale numbers suggest the film could have a $50 million opening weekend.
The movie also features actors Damson Idris as Joshua ‘Noah’ Pearce, Kerry Condon as Kate, and Javier Bardem as Ruben. Cruise made a public appearance at the F1 premiere to lend support to Pitt, continuing a trend this year of him backing high-profile films including Sinners and Ballerina. The camaraderie between the two stars, both on and off the screen, is a focal point of interest for both media and fans.
A Look Back at Days of Thunder’s Legacy
The original Days of Thunder, directed by Tony Scott and written by Robert Towne, followed the young stock car driver Cole Trickle, played by Cruise, as he rose through the ranks of NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Although critics were divided—giving it a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score—the public embraced the film, which earned $157.9 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. The cast included Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Nicole Kidman, and Cary Elwes, and the movie has since achieved cult classic status among racing and film fans.
Joseph Kosinski had previously attempted to reunite Cruise and Pitt for the film Ford v Ferrari, envisioning both stars in lead roles. However, due to budget concerns, the studio ultimately chose James Mangold to direct, with Christian Bale and Matt Damon headlining. Despite this missed opportunity, Kosinski’s current crossover idea appears increasingly plausible, especially as enthusiasm for racing-themed movies remains high.
Potential Impact and Anticipation for the Crossover
As F1 prepares for its nationwide debut this Friday, the possibility of a Tom Cruise F1 crossover Days of Thunder continues to build intrigue within the film industry and among fans. With Cruise acknowledging ongoing conversations about reviving his Days of Thunder character and Kosinski’s interest in merging two celebrated racing storylines, the groundwork may be in place for one of Hollywood’s most exciting racing reunions.
Should this crossover become a reality, it would not only bring together two of cinema’s most recognized action stars but also unite generations of racing movie enthusiasts. The collaboration would celebrate the enduring appeal of racing on film while drawing in newcomers through the combined legacy of Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and visionary directors like Joseph Kosinski and Tony Scott.
