Cruise and Hathaway Rev Up for Racing Sequel, Set for 2028 Release
Tom Cruise announced a sequel to the 1990 racing film 'Days of Thunder' during a Saturday event at Daytona International Speedway, with Anne Hathaway attached to star as a team owner and engineer. The film is slated for a summer 2028 release, with production expected to begin after Hathaway's pregnancy. Jonathan Levine will direct from a script by Will Staples, with Cruise producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.
The sequel announcement arrived via a social media post filmed at Daytona International Speedway, with a weathered green race car serving as the backdrop. Hathaway’s pregnancy will delay production until after she gives birth, pushing principal photography to a later date. Cruise reprises his role as Cole Trickle, while Hathaway portrays a team owner and engineer. Jonathan Levine directs from Will Staples’ script, with Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Tommy Harper producing. The original 1990 film is credited with influencing racing cinema, and this follow-up aims to build on that legacy.
This sequel could reignite interest in motorsport-themed blockbusters, potentially drawing both nostalgic older viewers and younger audiences unfamiliar with the original. Hathaway’s casting may broaden appeal beyond traditional racing fans, while the 2028 release date suggests a long marketing runway. The film’s success could influence how studios approach legacy sequels, balancing star power with fresh creative voices. However, its impact remains uncertain given shifting theatrical habits and competition from streaming.