Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 30 Aug 2026, 12:19 pm Print
Tom Cruise Tom Cruise to return with Days of Thunder sequel in 2028. Photo: Tom Cruise X page videograb
Tom Cruise is set to return as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in the sequel to his 1990 racing drama Days of Thunder, with Anne Hathaway joining the cast. The film is scheduled to release in summer 2028.
Cruise and Hathaway confirmed the project through a social media video announcing the film's return.
In the video, the two actors unveiled the title and release window alongside a yellow racing car, in keeping with the movie's racing theme. Hathaway wore a cowboy hat, while both stars appeared in casual button-up shirts and blue jeans.
The sequel will be filmed for IMAX and is also expected to be released in Dolby Cinema, 4DX and other premium large-screen formats, Deadline reported.
Days of Thunder. Summer 2028. pic.twitter.com/rD3QLXfUyi
— Tom Cruise (@TomCruise) August 29, 2026
Jonathan Levine will direct the film, according to the publication, which also reported that the movie is scheduled for release on June 2, 2028.
Cruise will reprise his role as Cole Trickle, the NASCAR driver he portrayed in the original 1990 film. Plot details remain under wraps, but Hathaway is expected to play a team owner and engineer, Deadline reported.
Days of Thunder was directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. Robert Towne wrote the screenplay based on a story he co-wrote with Cruise.
The original film starred Cruise alongside Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Michael Rooker, Nicole Kidman and Cary Elwes.
It also featured appearances by real-life NASCAR drivers, including Richard Petty, Rusty Wallace, Neil Bonnett and Harry Gant.
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