ENTERTAINMENT

Tom Cruise announces a follow-up film to ‘Days of Thunder’ to hit theaters in 2028

PUBLISHED Aug 29, 2026, 4:10 PM ET

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Tom Cruise has confirmed a sequel to the 1990 NASCAR film “Days of Thunder,” with Anne Hathaway joining the cast and Paramount Pictures scheduling a theatrical release for June 2, 2028. Cruise made the announcement Aug. 29 at Daytona International Speedway, hours before NASCAR’s regular-season finale, and posted promotional material on social media. He will reprise Cole Trickle and produce with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Jonathan Levine will direct from a screenplay by Will Staples. Hathaway will play a race-team owner and engineer, according to trade reports. The sequel follows years of speculation after reports that Cruise discussed a follow-up with Paramount in 2024. Plot details remain undisclosed, and filming had not begun as of Aug. 29. The original became a lasting NASCAR cult favorite despite mixed critical reception. The project connects a major Hollywood franchise with NASCAR and could renew mainstream interest in the racing-focused film franchise.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 27, 1990, Days of Thunder premiered in theaters.
On November 1, 2024, reports revealed Cruise discussed sequel plans.
On July 22, 2026, Paramount pursued Jonathan Levine as director.
On August 29, 2026, Cruise announced sequel at Daytona Speedway.
On August 29, 2026, Hathaway joined Cruise for the sequel.
On August 29, 2026, Paramount confirmed release for June 2028.
On August 30, 2026, no newer material development was located.
By late 2026, production planning and casting may expand publicly.
During 2027, filming could begin if production remains on schedule.
On June 2, 2028, sequel is scheduled for theatrical release.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Major entertainment attention returns to NASCAR through Cruise’s announced sequel.
Possible long-term US impact: The film could broaden NASCAR’s mainstream entertainment audience if successful.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official announcements and independently reported production updates.
Most Affected: NASCAR fans, moviegoers, Paramount, Cruise, Hathaway, filmmakers, racing businesses.

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasized cultural representation, nostalgia, celebrity casting, and entertainment-industry significance. Center: Coverage emphasized confirmed casting, production roles, release date, announcement location, and history. Right: Coverage emphasized franchise nostalgia, NASCAR authenticity, box-office potential, and audience excitement.