Days of Thunder Sequel Greenlit: Cruise Returns, Hathaway Joins for 2028

Paramount Pictures has officially given the green light to a sequel of the 1990 racing drama 'Days of Thunder'. Tom Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, with Anne Hathaway joining the franchise for the first time.

The announcement was made on August 29 at the Daytona International Speedway, coinciding with NASCAR's regular-season finale. Cruise also shared the news on his social media, posting a photo of himself and Hathaway alongside a NASCAR race car.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 2, 2028. It is being prepared for premium large-format screenings, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX.

Jonathan Levine has been tapped to direct the sequel, with Will Staples writing the script. Cruise will produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.

While plot details remain under wraps, Hathaway is expected to play a team owner and engineer. This marks the first time Cruise and Hathaway will share the screen.

The original 'Days of Thunder', directed by the late Tony Scott and written by Robert Towne, was released in the summer of 1990. It starred Cruise as a hot-headed rookie stock car driver navigating personal and professional challenges in NASCAR. The film earned $82.6 million domestically and $157.9 million worldwide. Its cast included Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Caroline Williams, and Michael Rooker.

Hathaway joins the project after a busy period that included 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', 'The Odyssey', and 'The End of Oak Street'. She is next set to appear in 'Verity', scheduled for an October release. Cruise is also gearing up for the worldwide theatrical release of 'Digger' on October 2.