Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway star in the upcoming Days of Thunder sequel.

Tom Cruise will appear at the Daytona driver meeting before the NASCAR Cup Series race to address drivers, underscoring the film's authentic NASCAR ties and timing the announcement with Daytona’s marquee status.
Anne Hathaway has been cast opposite Cruise as a NASCAR team owner and engineer, with the project slated to film in IMAX and a June 2, 2028 release target; Jonathan Levine is directing and Will Staples is writing the screenplay.
Nicole Kidman originally played Dr. Claire Lewicki in Days of Thunder; reports indicate there is ongoing talk about a potential reunion in the sequel, contingent on creative alignment and Kidman’s schedule.
Levine, known for directing Long Shot and Mr. Irrelevant, is attached to direct the Days of Thunder follow-up, adding a notable filmmaking background to Cruise’s new chapter.
Tom Cruise is reviving Days of Thunder with a sequel set for June 2, 2028. Yahoo Entertainment reported that Cruise confirmed the project alongside Anne Hathaway, who will star opposite him as a NASCAR team owner and engineer. The announcement came via an Instagram video where Hathaway playfully poked fun at the action star, underscoring the film's blend of high-stakes racing and humor.
Paramount is investing heavily in the revival. Cinema Blend noted that Jonathan Levine will direct, with Will Staples penning the screenplay. The film will shoot in IMAX format, and production is expected to begin early next year. Cruise will produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper, bringing decades of filmmaking experience to the project.
Tom Cruise appeared at the Daytona driver meeting before the NASCAR Cup Series race to address drivers directly. This timing highlighted the film's authentic ties to professional racing. Hola Magazine confirmed that Cruise and Hathaway shared a promotional image from Daytona, signaling the project's direction and grounding it in real NASCAR culture.
Anne Hathaway joins the franchise nearly four decades after the original 1990 film. AV Club reported that she will play a NASCAR team owner and engineer, bringing star power and new dynamics to the story. Her casting alongside Cruise creates a fresh chapter while maintaining the action-adventure tone audiences remember from the original.
The announcement video became instant fodder for entertainment headlines. Yahoo Entertainment highlighted Hathaway's playful ribbing of Cruise in the Instagram reveal, showing chemistry between the leads before filming even begins. The comedic tone suggests the sequel won't take itself too seriously despite the high-octane racing sequences.
Jonathan Levine, known for directing Long Shot and Mr. Irrelevant, is taking the helm. Cinema Blend confirmed his attachment to the project, adding a notable filmmaking background to Cruise's new racing chapter. Levine's comedy-drama sensibility could complement the film's blend of heart and high-speed action.
Nicole Kidman played Dr. Claire Lewicki in the original Days of Thunder. Reports indicate ongoing talks about her potentially reprising a role in the sequel, though her involvement hinges on creative alignment and her schedule. No official confirmation has been announced yet, but insiders suggest the filmmakers remain open to bringing back legacy cast members if the story allows.
Publishers
24
Articles
43
Reach
67