The long-awaited sequel to the 1990 racing classic *Days of Thunder* is now officially in production, with director Jonathan Levine overseeing the project and a release date set for June 2, 2028, promising an IMAX viewing experience that will bring the high‑speed world of NASCAR to life on the big screen.
Production and Cast
Anne Hathaway has signed on to play an owner and engineer, adding a fresh perspective to the film’s behind‑the‑scenes narrative while Tom Cruise returns to reprise his iconic role as Cole Trickle, the talented but troubled driver at the heart of the story.
A poll of NASCAR drivers revealed a clear split in how they would like to be portrayed: Austin Hill, Chase Briscoe and Rajah Caruth chose to appear as Cole’s teammates, citing a desire to highlight younger talent and avoid the stigma of a villainous role, whereas Joey Logano, Carson Hocevar and Chris Buescher expressed interest in playing rivals, with Logano referencing his nostalgia for the original film.
Jeff Gordon has hinted at a possible collaboration with Cruise, and the conversation around cameo appearances has brought up legendary drivers Richard Petty and Neil Bonnett, whose potential involvement could lend historic weight and authenticity to the sequel’s racing scenes.
The picture will be captured in IMAX, promising a visceral, high‑definition portrayal of the sport, and the production team is already arranging logistics for on‑track filming that could feature real NASCAR machinery, further blurring the line between fiction and the real racing world.
Crossover chatter about a potential link to the recent *F1* film, where the dynamic between Brad Pitt and Damson Idris was discussed, suggests a broader trend of sports‑centric blockbusters converging on the big screen, positioning *Days of Thunder* within a growing genre of high‑octane, athlete‑driven cinema.