Any NASCAR fan who hasn’t seen Days of Thunder will naturally be frowned upon. But imagine the reaction if a NASCAR Cup Series driver themselves hasn’t seen it.

The 1990 sports action drama starring Tom Cruise has grown to become a cult classic today and arguably the best NASCAR movie out there. But Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell has been too busy driving, having not seen the iconic movie yet.

Speaking to the media before the Brickyard race, Chase Briscoe got the ball rolling when he revealed this surprising truth about his JGR teammate, light-heartedly asking the media to take it up with him. Even Kyle Larson had a shocking expression when he got to know about it in the presser after Briscoe.

Steven Taranto, who reported the entire “scandal” on X as he called it, asked Bell later for the reason.

“We just don't have TVs in Oklahoma,” Bell responded with a smile.

He said that he has seen some clips in bits and pieces, but not the entire movie. Taranto then uncovered the deeper truth and asked him if he does watch movies or not, to which Bell had another amusing response.

“No, I'm not really a movie guy. I could probably count on one hand the number of movies I've watched straight through.”

Bell joked later that even if he was in the sequel, he would “maybe” watch it. And it's not just movies; Bell also revealed to have not seen the NASCAR: Full Speed Netflix documentary.

By then, it was easy to guess what Bell said next: “I'm just not really a TV guy,” bringing some consolation to fans.

Still, he didn’t take a chance. Before the fanbase could erupt, he put out the fire today as he tweeted a picture of himself finally watching the movie, breaking his habit. As NASCAR is on a mid-season break this weekend, he captioned his tweet: Happy off day.

 Meanwhile, Bell has chosen a good time to pick the flick, as the long-speculated sequel is officially in development, 36 years after the original.

Cole Trickle is coming back

The way Tom Cruise reprised his character Maverick after 36 years in the Top Gun sequel, he’s about to do the same with Days of Thunder.

Cruise is set to return as Cole Trickle in the sequel, as an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter states that filmmaker Jonathan Levine is in talks to direct the sequel.

Cruise will also serve as a producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the 1990 original. Paramount Pictures will distribute the sequel.

The screenplay is being written by Will Staples, who is best known for co-writing Without Remorse starring Michael B. Jordan.

While the plot details are not known yet, Staples has reportedly spent time in the NASCAR garage to immerse himself in the sport and understand the NASCAR life.

Written by

Suyashdeep Sason

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason