Paramount Sets 'Days of Thunder' Sequel for June 2028 with Anne Hathaway

Key points

• Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway announced the sequel via social media on August 29, 2026.
• The film is scheduled for a June 2, 2028, release date.
• Jonathan Levine is directing, with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper producing alongside Cruise.
• The movie will be filmed in IMAX and released in Dolby Cinema and 4DX formats.
• Will Staples is credited with writing the screenplay.

Background

The original 'Days of Thunder' was released in 1990, directed by the late Tony Scott, and grossed $157.9 million worldwide. It featured a young Tom Cruise as a rookie stock car driver and introduced him to Nicole Kidman, whom he later married. The sequel follows the success of 'Top Gun: Maverick' (2022), which grossed $1.5 billion, and the recent 'F1' film, which earned over $600 million. Cruise is currently ramping down the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise and is also set to appear in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 'Digger' and another 'Top Gun' installment.

How outlets are covering it

While all major outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and Deadline, confirm the core casting and release date, they differ in emphasis. Variety and Deadline highlight the exclusive nature of the theatrical release, noting the IMAX and premium format strategy. Motorsport.com provides industry-specific context, noting that Cruise addressed the NASCAR garage at the Daytona International Speedway during the announcement weekend. Deadline also notes that the project was fast-tracked after Jonathan Levine was tapped to direct. Some outlets, like the Los Angeles Times, emphasize the legacy connection between Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, drawing parallels to the 'Top Gun' franchise. Conversely, Motorsport.com points out that discussions for the sequel gained momentum after the commercial success of the 'F1' film, which Bruckheimer also produced.

Why it matters

The announcement signals a continued strategy by Paramount and Cruise to leverage legacy IP for high-budget, premium-format theatrical releases. The inclusion of Anne Hathaway, who has had a prolific 2026 with multiple major films, suggests a push for broad audience appeal. The exclusive theatrical release strategy, similar to 'Top Gun: Maverick,' aims to maximize box office revenue in large-screen formats, potentially influencing how other studios approach sequels of classic films.

What to watch

Production is expected to begin soon, with filming likely to involve actual NASCAR events and race shops, as suggested by Motorsport.com. The film is slated for a summer 2028 release, positioning it as a major event for the studio. Cruise is also set to continue his work on 'Top Gun 3' and 'Digger,' indicating a busy schedule for the actor.