Tom Cruise is set to reprise his role in a sequel to the 1990 racing film *Days of Thunder*, with the new installment scheduled for release in 2028. Anne Hathaway has been cast as the female lead, portraying a team owner and engineer, while Jonathan Levine, known for directing *Long Shot* and *Mr. Irrelevant*, will helm the project.
The original *Days of Thunder*, directed by Tony Scott, followed the story of NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, played by Cruise. The film was inspired by Cruise’s own experience testing NASCAR vehicles in 1987, and it also marked the beginning of his relationship with co-star Nicole Kidman. Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time of its release, the film gained a lasting following, particularly among NASCAR enthusiasts, bolstered by its popular soundtrack that included the chart-topping song “Show Me Heaven” by Maria McKee.
The announcement of the sequel coincides with sustained interest in motorsport-themed films, coming after the commercial and critical success of an F1 movie released last year featuring Brad Pitt as a driver alongside a skilled female engineer. The upcoming *Days of Thunder* sequel aims to build on this momentum by pairing Cruise with Hathaway, reflecting a contemporary dynamic in the racing world.
No further details about the plot or supporting cast have yet been disclosed. Production is expected to begin in the near future, with the film targeted for a 2028 release.