Tom Cruise confirms sequel to Days of Thunder with 2028 release
Tom Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in a follow-up to the 1990 film Days of Thunder, the actor announced at Daytona International Speedway on the weekend ahead of NASCAR's regular-season finale. The new film is scheduled for release by Paramount Pictures on 2 June 2028.
The project reunites Cruise with an experienced creative team. Anne Hathaway is set to co-star, portraying a team owner and engineer. Cruise will also serve as a producer alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Jonathan Levine is attached as director and the screenplay is written by Will Staples.
Why this sequel matters
For many viewers, the original Days of Thunder introduced NASCAR to a mainstream audience that had limited exposure to stock-car racing before 1990. Though the first film was widely criticised on release and often lampooned within the sport for its exaggerations, it has since been embraced in some circles as a cult favourite, with certain lines and moments enduring among racing fans.
“Rubbin’, son, is racin’.”
The lead character, Cole Trickle, was reportedly loosely modelled on the late NASCAR driver Tim Richmond. The sequel announcement follows earlier reporting that Cruise had discussed a follow-up with Paramount in late 2024.
Connections to the racing world
Prominent figures in the sport have publicly encouraged a sequel. Four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, now vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, has openly lobbied for a follow-up and has a longstanding friendship with Cruise — a relationship that could influence potential involvement from Gordon or Hendrick Motorsports in the new movie.
- Release date: 2 June 2028
- Lead actor/producer: Tom Cruise
- Co-star: Anne Hathaway
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Screenwriter: Will Staples
- Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Tommy Harper
What we know about tone and expectations
The original film was released at the height of Cruise's rising profile after Top Gun and aimed to blend star power with the spectacle of NASCAR. While it struggled with critics, its memorable lines, characters and high-octane sequences kept it alive in the popular imagination. The sequel brings contemporary talent both in front of and behind the camera, signalling a studio push to reintroduce the property to modern audiences.
Details about the sequel’s plot, the extent of real-world racing involvement, or whether current NASCAR teams will appear onscreen have not been disclosed. The announcement at Daytona suggests an intent to position the film closely with the sport’s current profile and fanbase.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Film | Follow-up to Days of Thunder (1990) |
| Release | 2 June 2028 (Paramount Pictures) |
| Key cast & crew | Tom Cruise (Cole Trickle), Anne Hathaway; Jonathan Levine (director); Will Staples (writer); Producers: Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, Tommy Harper |
Looking ahead
The sequel's announcement revives interest in how Hollywood depicts motorsport and whether a contemporary treatment will balance authenticity with blockbuster spectacle. Fans of the original will be watching closely for casting additions, racing partners and how the film honours or reimagines the legacy of Cole Trickle for a new generation.
As details emerge about production partners, filming locations and how integral real-world NASCAR will be to the story, the industry and race fans alike will be assessing whether the follow-up can match the cultural footprint of the original — even if its reputation has always been a mix of critique and affectionate nostalgia.
