The big news
Tom Cruise has officially announced a sequel to Days of Thunder — and he’s bringing Anne Hathaway along for the ride. The film is penciled in for a June 2, 2028 release in the U.S., and it’s being built for the loudest, brightest screens (think IMAX and other premium formats).
Who’s behind the wheel
Jonathan Levine, who’s known for quirky hits like Warm Bodies and character-driven comedies, is directing. The screenplay comes from Will Staples, and Paramount and Skydance are backing the project. Jerry Bruckheimer is back in the producer’s chair — a reunion that recalls Cruise’s Top Gun comeback and probably helped grease the skids for this one.
Hathaway’s role (and Cruise’s)
Cruise will return as Cole Trickle, the hotshot driver from the original. Hathaway is slated to play a NASCAR team owner who also happens to be an engineer — so expect a brainy boss with a need for speed. Early buzz says this will be a fresh pairing rather than a nostalgia parade: other original cast members aren’t expected to reappear.
Why now?
The recent success of big, franchise-style racing films likely nudged the studio to give this sequel the green light. With audiences already proving they’ll buy tickets for motorsport spectacle, a glossy, IMAX-ready follow-up starring Cruise — plus a high-profile co-lead — seems like a smart bet.
What we don’t know (yet)
Plot details are being kept under wraps. No trailers, no story synopses, just casting and creative team announcements. Translation: we’ll be guessing until the studio decides we deserve a teaser.
What this means for Cruise and Hathaway
This will be Cruise’s next feature after Digger drops in October. Hathaway, meanwhile, is having a packed year — she’s got several films queued, including Verity: The Shadow of a Deception and a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada among others. So this is less a detour and more another notch on both of their busy belts.
Final lap
In short: big star power, a director with a knack for mixing heart and humor, and a summer release aimed at premium screens. If you like your movie announcements with equal parts adrenaline and star wattage, this one checks those boxes. Buckle up — it’s going to be a loud summer of racing.