Shawn Levy Reportedly Declined Tom Cruise’s ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel for ‘Ghost Rider’
The journey to Tom Cruise’s ‘Days of Thunder‘ sequel has been quite lengthy. Initially reported in November 2024, Cruise expressed his intent to return for both ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Days of Thunder’ sequels. The original film, released in 1990 and directed by the late Tony Scott, grossed $157.9 million worldwide.
On August 29, the project was officially announced. Cruise shared a video with Anne Hathaway, revealing that ‘Days of Thunder’ is set to return in Summer 2028, with a release date of June 2, 2028. Jonathan Levine will direct from a script by Will Staples, while Cruise produces alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.
However, it seems Levine was not the first choice. According to a report by Puck’s Matt Belloni, Cruise actively sought out Shawn Levy to direct ‘Days of Thunder 2’. Levy, known for his work on ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, declined the offer to helm ‘Ghost Rider’ instead.
The report indicates that Cruise took the recruitment seriously, even visiting the set of ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’, which Levy directs and stars Ryan Gosling. This visit appears to have been part of the pitch. The directing role ultimately went to Levine, whose previous works include ’50/50′ and ‘Warm Bodies’.
Levy is currently busy with multiple projects. This news follows his signing of a new television deal with Disney, a five-year agreement between his company 21 Laps Entertainment and 20th Television, reportedly worth nine figures.
Levy’s decision was influenced by a project he is passionate about. Marvel Studios announced the ‘Ghost Rider’ film during its Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con, with Kevin Feige introducing Ryan Gosling as Johnny Blaze and Levy as the director. Jonathan Tropper is writing the script.
The concept emerged from Levy’s collaboration with Gosling. He shared that during their downtime on the ‘Starfighter’ set, they envisioned ‘Ghost Rider’ and exchanged ideas. Levy mentioned that Gosling convinced him to pursue the project within just six minutes of their discussion, leading them to present it to Feige.
The Marvel film is scheduled for release in theaters on July 28, 2028. This will mark Gosling’s first role in a superhero or comic book film, following Nicolas Cage’s two ‘Ghost Rider’ films released in 2007 and 2011.
Days of Thunder. Summer 2028. pic.twitter.com/rD3QLXfUyi
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 29, 2026
For Cruise, this decision does not hinder progress. The sequel is moving forward with Levine, Hathaway, and IMAX cameras, with Hathaway expected to portray a team owner and engineer. The film will also be released in Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and other premium large-screen formats.
Cruise has more projects in the works. He is set to reprise his role in ‘Top Gun 3’, although a director has yet to be announced, as Joseph Kosinski is currently engaged with ‘Miami Vice ’85’. Before that, his satirical black comedy ‘Digger’ is slated to hit theaters on October 2.
For Levy, the timing highlights his busy schedule. ‘Starfighter’ is set to debut on May 28, 2027, followed by ‘Ghost Rider’ in 2028. This means both racing-themed sequels will share the summer of 2028, with one missing the director Cruise had in mind.
Fans are actively discussing this decision online. Some view it as a wise choice to opt for a major Marvel project over a legacy sequel, while others believe Levy missed out on the opportunity to collaborate with one of the last true movie stars.
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