Hollywood stars Anne Hathaway and Tom Cruise are set to team up for a sequel to the 1990 racing film ‘Days of Thunder’, Paramount Pictures announced. The follow-up feature, scheduled for release on June 2, 2028, will see Cruise reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, with Hathaway joining the cast in a newly created role. The announcement, made by Cruise himself, confirmed the project is moving forward nearly four decades after the original’s debut.
Variety exclusively reported Hathaway’s casting as a racecar team owner and engineer, though The New York Times noted her exact role has not yet been fully disclosed. Jonathan Levine, known for films like ‘Long Shot’, is confirmed to direct the sequel, with Cruise also serving as a producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Will Staples penned the screenplay, conducting extensive interviews with NASCAR drivers and industry insiders during the writing process, as The New York Times detailed.
The film is specifically being produced for IMAX screens and will have an exclusive theatrical release, featuring formats such as Dolby Cinema and 4DX, as reported by both Variety and Deadline. Cruise initially revealed the news on his social media platforms, sharing an image with Hathaway posing beside a NASCAR race car, an announcement also highlighted by Deadline.
Bringing Back a Racing Classic
The original ‘Days of Thunder’, directed by the late Tony Scott, premiered in the summer of 1990. It introduced audiences to Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, a spirited rookie stock car driver navigating the challenges of NASCAR. The film, which also featured actors like Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, and Randy Quaid, earned $82.6 million domestically and $157.9 million worldwide, according to Deadline. The New York Times further noted that Daytona, NASCAR’s flagship track, played a crucial role in the initial movie, both in its storyline and as a filming location, where Trickle experienced a significant crash and ultimately triumphed in the Daytona 500.
For the upcoming sequel, plot specifics remain limited. However, Cruise has a recent history of successfully revisiting iconic characters after lengthy intervals, notably with ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ in 2022. That sequel, which saw him return as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell from the 1986 original, achieved massive global box office success, grossing $1.5 billion, The New York Times reported.
Star Power and Industry Support
Anne Hathaway’s involvement comes amidst a busy period for the actress, who has had four films released in 2026, including ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ and ‘The Odyssey’. She is also slated to appear in ‘Verity’ later this year and is currently engaged in other projects, such as a third installment of ‘The Princess Diaries’, Variety stated. Her addition is seen as a significant boost for the follow-up film.
This project marks one of Cruise’s initial major intellectual property engagements after concluding the main ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, though he is also committed to another ‘Top Gun’ movie and a prestige drama titled ‘Digger’, Variety indicated. The New York Times highlighted NASCAR’s active support for the sequel’s production, mirroring its assistance for the original film. This support previously included allowing camera-equipped cars to participate in actual races and filming action sequences around events. Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports—a team that provided substantial aid for the 1990 movie—confirmed his discussions with Cruise, expressing the organization’s desire to be involved should the project materialize: ‘I’ve absolutely talked to Tom about it because I want him to do the project, and we want to be a part of it if it were to happen.’
The revival of a classic racing film with two major international stars like Cruise and Hathaway underscores a broader trend in the entertainment industry to leverage established franchises, potentially drawing global audiences who appreciate high-octane action and star-driven cinema. The film’s exclusive theatrical release across advanced formats such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema signals a continued focus on immersive big-screen experiences, which could appeal to international viewers seeking premium entertainment. The involvement of a globally recognized sport like NASCAR, even if its primary following is North American, could further enhance its international appeal, particularly in regions where American culture and motorsports have a significant fan base.
As production is anticipated to commence early next year, further details regarding the plot and additional cast members for the ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel are expected to emerge. The collaboration of seasoned talent with cutting-edge cinematic technology will be a key aspect to observe as the film progresses towards its mid-2028 release.
Image: The New York Times
Sources consulted
- Variety: Anne Hathaway Joins Tom Cruise in ‘Days of Thunder’ Follow-Up; Paramount Sets Release Date (EXCLUSIVE)
- Deadline: Tom Cruise’s ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel Adds Anne Hathaway To Cast
- The New York Times: Tom Cruise bringing NASCAR back to big screen with ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
