Hathaway joins Cruise in Days of Thunder sequel set for 2028
Paramount has announced a sequel to Days of Thunder starring Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway, with a release date of June 2, 2028. Hathaway will play a team owner and engineer, while Cruise reprises his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. Jonathan Levine is set to direct, though plot details remain undisclosed.
The sequel arrives 38 years after the original, with Cruise returning as Cole Trickle. Hathaway’s role as a team owner and engineer suggests a shift toward the business and technical side of racing, potentially balancing Cruise’s on-track action. Director Jonathan Levine, known for character-driven comedies, marks a departure from Tony Scott’s high-octane style, though no plot details have been released. Paramount’s announcement follows years of public speculation by Cruise, who has compared the project’s potential to the success of *Top Gun: Maverick*. Hathaway’s recent box-office presence, including roles in *The Odyssey* and *The End of Oak Street*, likely factored into her top billing alongside Cruise.
This sequel could reignite interest in NASCAR-themed entertainment, drawing both older fans of the original and younger audiences drawn by Hathaway’s star power. The June 2028 release slot suggests a major summer tentpole, potentially boosting theatrical attendance during a period of streaming competition. However, the film’s success may hinge on whether it can replicate the nostalgic appeal of *Top Gun: Maverick* without relying solely on Cruise’s persona. If it underperforms, it could signal limits to legacy-sequel strategies, affecting how studios greenlight similar projects.