Paramount Pictures has officially slated the global theatrical release of the Days of Thunder sequel for June 2, 2028, bringing Tom Cruise back to the driver’s seat as NASCAR racer Cole Trickle alongside new cast member Anne Hathaway, according to reporting from CNN Indonesia and Variety. The upcoming wide-release project will hit traditional cinemas and premium large formats including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX.
Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway Lead Cast in Premium Formats
Tom Cruise reprises his role from the 1990 original film, joined by Anne Hathaway as a team owner and racing engineer, according to People and CNN Indonesia. Promotional images shared by Cruise show the two actors together on a NASCAR track. Director Jonathan Levine, known for his work on Long Shot and Mr. Irrelevant, will helm the project from a script originally written by Will Staples, as reported by IDN Times and Variety.
Production plans require filming to start after Hathaway gives birth to her third child, a timeline confirmed by the actors themselves in coverage from People and IDN Times. Hathaway addresses her upcoming schedule directly by stating, “Aku bakal melahirkan bayi ini, lalu kita akan bikin filmnya,” which Cruise confirms with a plan targeting a summer 2028 release date.
Did You Know?
According to The Week, the idea for the Days of Thunder sequel was heavily driven by NASCAR legend and four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, a longtime friend of Tom Cruise who urged the actor to revisit the franchise.
Behind the Scenes and Franchise History
The original 1990 film starred Nicole Kidman as neurosurgeon Claire Lewicki alongside Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, and John C. Reilly. As reported by Variety, Paramount has not yet announced whether Kidman will appear in the sequel. Cruise is producing the new film alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.
This project marks a significant franchise return for Cruise after scaling back his involvement in the Mission: Impossible series, with additional commitments to the next Top Gun film and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s upcoming drama Digger, according to CNN Indonesia. Meanwhile, Hathaway maintains a packed schedule, having wrapped work on films such as Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street, Verity, the military drama Alone at Dawn with Adam Driver, and a Princess Diaries sequel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Days of Thunder sequel releasing?
According to Paramount Pictures and CNN Indonesia, the film is scheduled for a global theatrical release on June 2, 2028.
Who is directing the Days of Thunder sequel?
Jonathan Levine is directing the film based on a script by Will Staples, according to IDN Times and Variety.
Will Tom Cruise play Cole Trickle again?
Yes, Tom Cruise returns to his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, starring alongside Anne Hathaway, according to People and CNN Indonesia.
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