Tom Cruise announced that a sequel to the 1990 hit "Days of Thunder" will hit theaters in the summer of 2028, reviving the high‑speed drama that captured audiences three decades ago.
Anne Hathaway has been tapped to co‑star, though the specifics of her character remain under wraps, adding a fresh face to the racing saga.
Behind the Wheel: Creative Talent and Production Timeline
Screenwriter Will Staples, known for his deep interviews with drivers and team owners, is penning the script, while filmmaker Jonathan Levine will steer the project as director. Production is slated to begin in early 2027, setting the stage for a summer 2028 release.
The film enjoys the backing of NASCAR, which sees the sequel as part of a broader push into streaming, documentaries and other media formats that expand the sport’s reach beyond the track.
Hendrick Motorsports, the organization that helped bring authenticity to the original picture, is again involved, and Jeff Gordon has voiced enthusiasm about the sequel’s potential to honor the sport’s legacy.
From Daytona to the Silver Screen
Much of the original film’s most memorable sequences were shot at Daytona International Speedway, including a harrowing crash that nearly ended the fictional career of Cole Trickle. The new production will again leverage the iconic venue, reinforcing the connection between cinematic spectacle and real‑world racing heritage.
For Cruise, the sequel represents a return to big‑screen action after the critical and commercial success of "Top Gun: Maverick," a film that reignited his status as a leading man in contemporary cinema.
The collaboration between Hollywood and NASCAR underscores a growing trend: racing’s evolution into a multimedia phenomenon, with storytelling that extends from the track to the theater and beyond.