Paramount Pictures has announced a major casting decision for the upcoming “Days of Thunder” sequel, bringing together Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway for the NASCAR-centered film. The studio has scheduled the movie for release on June 2, 2028, marking nearly four decades since the original Tony Scott film debuted. Cruise will reprise his iconic role as driver Cole Trickle, while Hathaway will take on the part of a racecar team owner and engineer.
Jonathan Levine will direct the follow-up, with Cruise producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. The filmmakers have positioned the project as a premium theatrical experience, planning to shoot specifically for IMAX and release it across formats including Dolby Cinema and 4DX. Cruise shared a promotional photograph on Saturday showing both stars together on a NASCAR track to celebrate the casting announcement.
Hathaway’s involvement in the sequel comes during a particularly busy period in her career, with multiple film releases scheduled throughout 2026 and additional projects in development. Levine brings experience from previous films including “Long Shot” and “Mr. Irrelevant” to the director’s chair. The sequel represents Cruise’s first major foray into established intellectual property following his work with the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, though he remains attached to other high-profile projects including another “Top Gun” installment.
Originally reported by Variety →
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