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Tom Cruise‘s film, ‘Days of Thunder’ was a revolutionary moment for NASCAR. Released in 1990, the movie helped massively increase the sport’s popularity with millions of new viewers falling in love with stock car racing. Over three decades later, there has been buzz about a potential sequel to Cruise’s film. Now, Truck Series racer and actor Frankie Muniz has given a bold statement over his willingness to be involved with the movie.
Rumors over a potential ‘Days of Thunder 2’ have increased in recent weeks. Tom Cruise has admitted that he is indeed having discussions over coming back on the big screen as Cole Trickle. Though, NASCAR is yet to issue any comment over such speculation, Cruise’s remarks indicate that something could indeed happen soon.
Frankie Muniz has certainly kept his eye at the rumor mill over the past few days. The 39-year-old declared on X that if he was not part of the Days of Thunder sequel, then his whole existence had simply been a failure. Muniz would be perfect for the film.
He has not only raced in the Truck Series but has achieved decent success in the world of entertainment. The No. 33 driver played the lead role in Fox’s famous sitcom, ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ in the early 2000s.
Just saying this out loud… If they make a Days of Thunder movie and I’m not in it for even a little bit, I failed in every aspect of my being.
Frankie Muniz posted on X.
Just saying this out loud… If they make a Days of Thunder movie and I'm not in it for even a little bit, I failed in every aspect of my being.
— Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz) May 29, 2025
Muniz is not the only one who is excited for such a sequel. NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomed such a possibility with open arms. Though, he wondered whether Tom Cruise would actually return as a driver or try a new role as a potential team owner.
Christopher McQuarrie knows the ‘premise’ of Days of Thunder 2
American filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie has a special bond with Tom Cruise. The two have worked together on countless projects, including the Mission Impossible franchise and Top Gun. McQuarrie has now teased the possibility of Days of Thunder 2 with a rather interesting comment.
The 56-year-old claimed that he knew exactly what the storyline for the remake should be in a matter of seconds. Christopher McQuarrie further revealed that the idea for a Days of Thunder sequel came to him instantly after Cruise’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ turned out to be a massive success.
Totally know what the premise of the movie would be. In five seconds I knew what the premise would be. I looked at the response to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and immediately turned to Tom and said, ‘Days of Thunder.‘
Christopher McQuarrie told Josh Horowitz.
Certainly, a sequel of Days of Thunder can do wonders for NASCAR. At a time when Formula 1 is already miles ahead with its own film starring Brad Pitt, NASCAR must learn to use the opportunity.
Tom Cruise remains one of the biggest stars in the world, and Days of Thunder 2 could give the sport the boost it needs to be exposed to new audiences. Though, fans will need to patiently wait to see how things pan out in the coming weeks and whether the sequel actually becomes a reality.
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Report: Maple Leafs were offered meeting with Mitch Marner, pursued Mason Marchment prior to trade
It may be a formality at this point, but Mitch Marner and his camp offered the Toronto Maple Leafs a chance to meet when the free-agency window officially opens on July 1, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports. “Toronto was offered a meeting, but I’m not sure they’d feel the need to go through with it,” Friedman wrote in the latest edition of 32 Thoughts. “I got pushback on the idea Marner could opt for a four-year deal — giving him another payday at age 32 — but a few teams said they’d heard about it. Lots of twists and turns on this file over the next two weeks. Barring a sudden change in philosophy, Carolina is expected to push all chips into the pot. I’m watching Vegas, with several of their Western Conference brethren pushing hard.” Friedman previously reported on June 15 that Marner would not return to the Maple Leafs, and his camp refused to speak to the team ahead of free agency. Marner is widely considered the best free agent on this year’s market, and the Hurricanes are reportedly preparing to offer him a seven-year deal worth greater than $14 million annually, while the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks are expected to prepare offers to the 28-year-old, among other teams. Toronto also wanted to acquire Mason Marchment in a trade, Friedman reports. Marchment was traded from the Dallas Stars to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick on June 19. Marchment signed an entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs in July 2018 after going undrafted and spent several seasons with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies before playing two games with the Maple Leafs during the 2019-20 season. Toronto traded Marchment to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Denis Malgin in February 2020. Marchment has since evolved into a top-six forward, recording 22 goals and 47 points in 63 games with the Stars during the 2024-25 campaign, adding a goal and five points in 18 playoff games. It will be a busy offseason for the Maple Leafs, and it appears that general manager Brad Treliving is exploring several trade options to revamp his team’s forward corps during an offseason where he’s looking to change the team’s DNA. With Marchment off the board, Treliving may be hunting for a top-six player looking to make an impact on a Maple Leafs team that is still firmly in their contention window.
Knicks predicted to trade Karl-Anthony Towns to Trail Blazers for former No. 1 overall pick
It has already been an interesting offseason for the New York Knicks as they kicked it off by making the shocking decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau. This move came after Thibodeau had helped lead the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. With Thibodeau now gone, the Knicks enter the summer searching for a new head coach, but they could also elect to make some changes to their roster. One player who has been involved in trade rumors has been Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns as he struggled in the playoffs, especially on the defensive end. Despite this, the Knicks have shown no intention of trading Towns, but if they get offered the right package, perhaps they could move on from the star center. With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently released a mock trade that would send Towns to the Portland Trail Blazers for a former first overall pick. In the trade, Bailey has New York sending Towns to Portland for Deandre Ayton, Matisse Thybulle and two first-round picks, including the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft. “And though his (Ayton’s) career has been a little underwhelming for a former No. 1 pick, he's averaged a double-double in every season he's been in the league, is a more mobile defender than Towns and would still be a decent finisher for Brunson,” Bailey wrote. “Getting another rangy wing defender in Matisse Thybulle to join Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, a lottery pick this summer and a future pick swap would be a nice bonus.” While Ayton would be a downgrade from Towns offensively, he would be a major upgrade on the defensive end while also providing a solid amount on the offensive end. The Knicks would also acquire another great wing defender in Thybulle and a lottery pick in the upcoming draft to better their roster. While this trade could work out well for the Knicks, swapping Towns for Ayton, who is on an expiring contract, would be a major risk, and it is likely that Towns will remain in New York next season.
Boston Bruins need to target $17.6M defenseman to replace Brandon Carlo
With Brandon Carlo traded to Toronto, the Bruins should turn to veteran Connor Murphy as they try to rebuild the right side of their defense. Carlo trade leaves the Bruins exposed on the right side After shipping Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs at the deadline, Boston’s defense took a serious hit. There’s now a noticeable gap on the right, and management knows it. Free agency will have some options, sure, Aaron Ekblad, Dante Fabbro, Brent Burns, maybe Cody Ceci. But those names come with questions. Age, cost, fit. That’s why the trade market is starting to look like a better bet. One name that makes sense: Chicago’s Connor Murphy. Murphy could be available, and he’s built for this system Murphy isn’t flashy. That’s the point. He’s 6-foot-4, right-handed and doesn’t try to do too much. Stay-at-home type. Blocks shots. Plays the body. With Carlo gone, the Boston Bruins need someone who can handle hard minutes without trying to be a hero. Murphy’s been doing that for years in Chicago. He’s entering the final season of his contract. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and loaded with young defensemen. It makes sense that he could be moved. He’s reliable, respected and reasonably priced He’s been wearing an “A” in Chicago since 2020. Quiet leader, not a spotlight guy. His contract, $4.4 million, is manageable for a team like Boston. Especially with the cap as tight as it is. That’s part of what makes him so appealing: There’s no need to overthink it. He’s played in tough systems, against top lines and never really gets noticed, and that’s a compliment when you play his role. He still delivers, even if the numbers don’t jump out In 68 games this past season, Murphy had two goals and 19 points. Not flashy, again. But look deeper — 117 hits, 160 blocked shots. Those numbers matter. That’s the kind of play Boston counts on in the playoffs. The type of grit that shows up when it’s 2-1 in the third and you’re protecting a lead. Bruins will be active, and this kind of move makes sense Don Sweeney’s not afraid of trades. He’s made plenty over the years that didn’t grab headlines but helped shape the team’s identity. Connor Murphy won’t trend on social media. But if the Bruins are looking for stability, leadership and cap certainty, this is the kind of move that makes sense. If Chicago’s open to dealing, Boston should be listening.
Packers lose out on possible Jaire Alexander replacement
The Green Bay Packers have a big hole to fill at cornerback after releasing Jaire Alexander, who was signed by the Baltimore Ravens this week. During the team’s mandatory minicamp, wide receiver Bo Melton even took practice reps at cornerback, as Jeff Hafley looks for the winning combination to replace the former two-time All-Pro corner. Former Packers CB Robert Rochell signs with Dallas Cowboys Former Packers cornerback Robert Rochell agreed to terms with the Dallas Cowboys, after previously spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, in all likelihood closing the book on any potential Green Bay return as a replacement for Alexander. Rochelle, 27, appeared in 11 games for the Packers last season, posting two total tackles before being released earlier this spring. Entering his fifth NFL season, the former Central Arkansas standout has 25 total tackles in 48 career games with three fumble recoveries and one interception. Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine should all see expanded roles in Hafley’s secondary, after the Packers moved on from Alexander, but there’s always the chance that an unheralded player emerges or Green Bay signs a veteran at some point this summer before the regular season kicks off in September.
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