Tom Cruise announces a follow-up film to ‘Days of Thunder’ to hit theaters in 2028
PUBLISHED Aug 29, 2026, 4:10 PM ET
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
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On August 29, 2026, Cruise announced sequel, 12:55 p.m. EDT. https://x.com/tomcruise/status/2093744345396695105?s=46
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Tom Cruise announces a follow-up film to ‘Days of Thunder’ to hit theaters in 2028
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