Tom Cruise, the legendary action star and producer, is celebrating the 35th anniversary of one of his most iconic and adrenaline-fueled films — Days of Thunder. Released in 1990, the high-octane racing drama not only became a fan favorite but also cemented Cruise’s love for motorsport and set the stage for future racing films in Hollywood.
To mark the milestone, Cruise shared a heartfelt post on social media, reflecting on his experience playing NASCAR driver Cole Trickle and how the film continues to resonate with audiences even after three and a half decades. “35 years ago today, Days of Thunder raced into theaters. Forever grateful to the amazing cast, crew, and Tony Scott for the ride of a lifetime. Still feel the rush every time I hear ‘Rubbin’ is racin’.” Cruise wrote, referencing one of the film’s most iconic lines.
In addition to the nostalgic tribute, Cruise also took the opportunity to throw his support behind another upcoming racing film — Brad Pitt’s long-awaited Formula 1 movie, tentatively titled F1. Produced by Apple Studios in collaboration with Lewis Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films and Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, F1 promises to deliver an authentic and visually stunning racing experience on the big screen.
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Cruise praised the film’s ambition and realism, stating, “Brad is going to crush it. Racing is one of the most intense sports to bring to life on film, and with Joe [Kosinski] behind the camera again, it’s going to be something special. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Cruise’s enthusiasm is especially meaningful given his own commitment to performing practical stunts and immersive storytelling. Known for doing his own dangerous sequences in the Mission: Impossible franchise and piloting fighter jets in Top Gun: Maverick, Cruise has long been an advocate of authentic action cinema — a vision that aligns closely with the production ethos of Pitt’s F1.
Interestingly, Joseph Kosinski, who directed Top Gun: Maverick (2022), has reportedly implemented similar IMAX-ready, in-car camera techniques for Pitt’s F1, blending real racing footage with cinematic flair. Brad Pitt will play a retired F1 driver who returns to the grid to mentor a young talent, with the movie being shot at actual Grand Prix weekends alongside real teams and drivers.
Fans of Days of Thunder and the upcoming F1 film are drawing parallels between the two projects — both star A-list actors, both dive deep into the world of elite motorsports, and both aim to capture the speed, danger, and drama that make racing a unique cinematic challenge.
While F1 is expected to release in 2025 or early 2026, Cruise hinted he might even make an appearance at a future Formula 1 Grand Prix in support of the film. “I’ve got fuel in my blood — I’ll always be a fan of fast cars, great storytelling, and pushing the limits,” he said.
As Cruise celebrates 35 years of Days of Thunder, fans can’t help but feel the excitement building for another racing epic — this time led by Brad Pitt, but with the full-throttle backing of a Hollywood legend.