Tom Cruise will return as Cole Trickle, while Anne Hathaway joins the racing drama as a team owner and engineer.
Tom Cruise is returning to the fast lane as the Days of Thunder sequel has officially been announced, with Anne Hathaway joining the highly anticipated racing drama. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on June 2, 2028.
Cruise confirmed the project on Saturday, August 29, through his Instagram account. The announcement featured a picture of Cruise and Hathaway posing beside a sports car, accompanied by the title of the upcoming movie and its expected 2028 release date.
The announcement was made at Daytona International Speedway, one of the most iconic venues in American motorsports. The location added a fitting backdrop to the confirmation of the follow-up to the 1990 racing film.
Tom Cruise returns as Cole Trickle
Cruise will reprise his role as Cole Trickle, the talented NASCAR driver he portrayed in the original Days of Thunder. The character became one of the actor’s memorable action roles and helped establish the film as a notable entry in Hollywood’s racing genre.
Hathaway is joining the franchise in a new role. She will reportedly portray a team owner and engineer, bringing a new character into the world of professional motorsports.
Cruise will also serve as a producer on the project alongside veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Jonathan Levine is attached to direct the movie, while Will Staples has written the screenplay.
Sequel planned for premium cinema formats
The Days of Thunder sequel is being developed with a major theatrical experience in mind. The production will be filmed for IMAX and is expected to screen in Dolby Cinema, 4DX and other premium large-format venues.
The announcement quickly generated excitement among fans on social media, with many celebrating the return of the iconic racing franchise and Cruise’s character.
The original Days of Thunder was released in 1990 and featured Cruise as Cole Trickle. More than three decades later, the sequel is set to reunite audiences with the racing world while introducing Hathaway to the franchise.
Cruise’s career has included major global successes such as Risky Business, Jerry Maguire and the Mission: Impossible series. His films have collectively earned more than $13 billion worldwide.
With its June 2, 2028 release date confirmed, the Days of Thunder sequel is already shaping up as one of the major upcoming Hollywood releases.