Paramount Sets June 2028 Release for 'Days of Thunder' Sequel Starring Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway

Key points

• Anne Hathaway has joined Tom Cruise in the 'Days of Thunder' sequel, playing a NASCAR team owner and engineer.
• Paramount has set a release date of June 2, 2028, for the follow-up to the 1990 racing drama.
• The film will be shot for IMAX and released in Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and premium large formats.
• Jonathan Levine is directing, with Will Staples writing the script, while Cruise produces alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.
• Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, a character he originated in the 1990 film.

Background

Paramount has been developing a 'Days of Thunder' sequel since July 2026, when Jonathan Levine was confirmed to direct and Will Staples was hired to write the screenplay. The project follows the commercial success of 'Top Gun: Maverick' and represents Cruise's first significant engagement with a major franchise since ramping down the 'Mission: Impossible' series. The original 1990 film, directed by Tony Scott, grossed approximately $158 million worldwide and featured Cruise alongside Nicole Kidman and Robert Duvall.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline all confirmed the casting of Anne Hathaway and the June 2, 2028, release date, noting that Cruise revealed the news via a promotional image on social media. Variety emphasized that this is Cruise's first significant IP project after 'Mission: Impossible' and highlighted Hathaway's busy 2026 schedule, which includes 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'The Odyssey.' Deadline noted that the original 1990 film grossed $82.6 million domestically and $157.9 million worldwide, and that Cruise conceived the original story. All outlets agree that plot details remain under wraps, with Hathaway's role described as a team owner and engineer.

Why it matters

The 'Days of Thunder' sequel represents a significant return to a major franchise for Tom Cruise, who has been ramping down the 'Mission: Impossible' series. The film's release in premium formats, including IMAX and Dolby Cinema, signals Paramount's confidence in the project's commercial potential. Anne Hathaway's involvement adds a high-profile co-star to the project, potentially broadening its audience appeal. The film's development also reflects the broader trend of studios reviving classic franchises to capitalize on nostalgia and established brand recognition.

What to watch

Paramount is expected to begin production on the 'Days of Thunder' sequel in the coming months, with Jonathan Levine directing and Will Staples writing the screenplay. The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2028, and will be shot in IMAX and released in premium formats. Tom Cruise is also set to star in 'Digger,' directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. Anne Hathaway is next set to appear in 'Verity,' based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, which is also scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.