Before competing in a NASCAR Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, driver and former actor Frankie Muniz publicly expressed his desire to appear in the upcoming sequel to Tom Cruise’s 1990 film Days of Thunder. Muniz, known for his starring role in the early 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, is leveraging his dual experience as a Hollywood actor and professional racer in hopes of landing a role in the Paramount Pictures project.
Frankie Muniz recently completed filming the reboot of Malcolm in the Middle, a project that stirred nostalgia for fans as well as excitement for Muniz himself. Sharing his reflections on social media, he described the experience as a joyful revisit to the character’s chaotic world, highlighting both old and new cast members. Muniz said,
“Just wrapped filming the Malcolm in the Middle reboot, and man, I’m still reeling. This experience was straight-up incredible—like stepping back into Malcolm’s wild world but with all the love and chaos cranked to 11. Reuniting with the cast, getting to know some new characters, laughing till it hurt, and making new memories on set felt like a dream I didn’t want to wake up from. It went by so fast, like a blur of perfect moments. I wish it could go on forever,”
on X.
While the exact premiere date for the Malcolm in the Middle reboot remains unknown, Muniz is already setting sights on a new acting opportunity tied to his passion for racing. During the February 22 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Muniz gave fans a thumbs up as he prepared for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event, underscoring his active involvement in motorsports alongside his showbiz career.
Progress on a New Days of Thunder Movie and Tom Cruise’s Ambitions
The original Days of Thunder featured Tom Cruise as a talented NASCAR driver navigating the thrilling and dangerous world of stock car racing. Nearly 35 years later, Cruise has confirmed that discussions are underway for a legacy sequel to both Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick. In recent interviews, Cruise revealed he is continuously engaged in various film projects and emphasized the ongoing development of these sequels at Paramount Pictures.
Cruise commented,
“It took me 35 years to figure out Top Gun: Maverick, so all of these things we’re working on, we’re discussing [sequels to] Days of Thunder and Top Gun: Maverick. There’s numerous other films that we’re actively working on right now,”
and added,
“I’m always shooting a film, prepping a film, posting a film. I just finished a film with Alejandro Iñárritu too, who did The Revenant, that was an extraordinary experience.”
The star’s commitment to continuing these franchises hints at a strong potential for a Days of Thunder sequel to move into production in the near future.
Frankie Muniz’s Ambitious Desire to Join the Casting
Muniz took to social media to express his enthusiasm about being part of the new Days of Thunder project, making it clear that he sees the film as a perfect fit due to his unique background. As both an accomplished NASCAR driver and experienced actor, Muniz’s interest reflects his understanding of what the role demands.
He stated plainly,
“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,”
demonstrating his strong determination to participate.
The idea of Muniz joining the sequel aligns well with the original film‘s tradition, which featured notable NASCAR drivers such as Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace, and Harry Gant in cameo appearances, blending authentic racing talent with Hollywood storytelling.
What the Potential Sequel Could Mean for NASCAR and Fans
The announcement and ongoing development of a Days of Thunder sequel have created excitement among NASCAR enthusiasts and moviegoers alike. Bringing a known driver like Muniz into the cast could enhance the film’s authenticity and appeal, bridging the gap between motorsport culture and cinematic entertainment.
For Muniz, landing a role in this sequel would not only represent a personal career milestone but also a merging of his two passions—acting and racing. With Tom Cruise’s active role in developing the project, and Muniz’s high hopes, the sequel could become a significant event for Paramount Pictures and the NASCAR community.
As work continues behind the scenes, audiences can anticipate updates about the cast and plot, while Muniz’s public declaration adds an intriguing layer of anticipation regarding his possible involvement. The film’s progress will likely keep fans eager for the blend of racing excitement and cinematic drama that defined the original Days of Thunder.