Tom Cruise to Race Again: ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel Set for 2028

POLICY WIRE — Daytona Beach, Fla. — Tom Cruise made a dramatic entrance at Daytona International Speedway, leaping over a row of potted plants to announce his return as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in a sequel to “Days of Thunder”. The announcement came just before the Cup Series’ regular-season finale.

Cruise, now 64, emphasized that the film would focus not just on racing, but on the community and culture surrounding NASCAR. He expressed his pride in portraying that aspect in the original film and his honor in sharing it with the world again.

Anne Hathaway will star alongside Cruise as a team owner and engineer. The movie is slated for release by Paramount Pictures on June 2, 2028. Cruise will produce the film with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper, while Jonathan Levine will direct from a script by Will Staples.

The original “Days of Thunder” was a summer blockbuster that, despite critical panning, has become a cult favorite within NASCAR circles. The film introduced NASCAR to a broader audience and featured memorable lines that are still quoted by fans.

Cruise, known for performing his own stunts, recalled a dangerous scene from the original film where his car caught fire at high speed. His commitment to authenticity and excitement in his films is expected to make the sequel a hit.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)