Tom Cruise to Reprise Cole Trickle Role in Days of Thunder Follow-Up Alongside Anne Hathaway
Paramount Pictures has officially announced a new follow-up to the 1990 racing drama Days of Thunder, featuring Tom Cruise reprising his iconic character, NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. Academy Award-winning actor Anne Hathaway is set to join Cruise in the upcoming film, marking the first time the two performers will share the screen.
What Happened
The studio confirmed the production during a special event hosted at the Daytona International Speedway, signalling Cruise’s return to the world of NASCAR nearly four decades after the debut of the original feature. Along with his leading performance, Cruise will produce the movie alongside producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.
Director Jonathan Levine has been tapped to helm the project, working from a screenplay penned by Will Staples. Hathaway is slated to play a key role in the narrative, reportedly appearing as a racing team owner and engineer. Designed specifically for the large-screen cinema experience, the production will be filmed for IMAX and released across premium large formats in theatres.
Key Highlights
- Original Character Returns: Tom Cruise reprises the role of Cole Trickle, whom he first portrayed in the 1990 Tony Scott-directed film.
- Co-Star Announcement: Anne Hathaway joins the cast as a team owner and engineer, collaborating on screen with Cruise for the first time.
- Creative Team: Jonathan Levine directs from a script by Will Staples; Jerry Bruckheimer, Tommy Harper, and Cruise serve as producers.
- Theatrical Format and Timing: Filmed for IMAX, the production has secured a theatrical launch date set for June 2028 by Paramount Pictures.
Why This Matters
The project revives a high-speed sports property nearly 40 years after its theatrical debut. The original 1990 feature, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, followed Cole Trickle navigating fierce track rivalries, personal relationships, and professional ambition. The upcoming follow-up continues Cruise’s long track record of producing and headlining large-scale theatrical releases, such as the Top Gun and Mission: Impossible series, while also pairing him with Hathaway, who brings an extensive portfolio ranging from Les Misérables to Interstellar.
What to Watch Next
Paramount Pictures has slated the movie for release in June 2028. Before this title hits cinemas, Cruise’s upcoming slate includes Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Meanwhile, Hathaway’s announced and upcoming projects include Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, The End of Oak Street alongside Ewan McGregor, and an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel Verity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Days of Thunder follow-up be released in theatres?
Paramount Pictures has scheduled the theatrical debut for June 2028, with plans for IMAX and premium large format exhibition.
Who is directing and writing the new film?
The feature will be directed by Jonathan Levine, with the screenplay written by Will Staples.
What role will Anne Hathaway play in the movie?
Hathaway is reportedly set to portray an engineer and racing team owner in the project.
Source: Paramount Pictures announcement via report by Bollywood Hungama.