Tom Cruise announces sequel to once-mocked, now-loved Days of Thunder

Tom Cruise has confirmed plans to return to the world of motorsports with a sequel to Days of Thunder, nearly four decades after the original film's release in 1990. The announcement came during a press event held at Daytona International Speedway in Florida on Saturday, where Cruise made a dramatic entrance by leaping over a row of potted plants and landing directly on a stage in front of approximately 40 race-car drivers. The sequel, set for release in 2028, will see Cruise reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, a character loosely inspired by the late NASCAR driver Tim Richmond. Anne Hathaway will join him as a team owner and engineer within the NASCAR universe. The film will be written by Will Staples and directed by Jonathan Levine, with Cruise producing alongside longtime collaborators Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Cruise spoke passionately about the significance of the project during the event, addressing a diverse audience that included NASCAR executives, fans, corporate sponsors, and members of the military. He emphasized that the film would not merely focus on the spectacle of racing but rather on the broader culture and community surrounding it. “It’s not just about racing,” he said. “It’s about the community and the people here. There’s something very special about racers and the whole community. It’s a culture, and I was very proud to be able to reflect that in the first Days of Thunder.” He added that the sequel would aim to give audiences a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a team, the spirit of NASCAR, and the inherent risks and thrills associated with the sport. Cruise also referenced the iconic line from the original film, “Rubbin’, son, is racin’”, spoken by crew chief Harry Hogge, played by Robert Duvall. That phrase, still widely quoted among race fans, has become a lasting legacy of the 1990 film. Despite initial criticism upon its release, Days of Thunder has gained a devoted following over the years, particularly within NASCAR circles. The film, which was released amid the peak of Cruise’s career following the success of Top Gun, was initially mocked for its exaggerated portrayal of racing life. However, it eventually found a niche audience and became a cult classic. Its influence can still be felt today, with elements of the film being referenced frequently in discussions about motorsports culture. Cruise, now 64, expressed confidence that the sequel would build upon the foundation laid by the original. He noted that he had previously handled many of his own stunts in Days of Thunder, including a memorable scene shot at Daytona International Speedway. Recalling that experience, he described how he had filmed while traveling at speeds of around 180 miles per hour, only for the car’s hood to unexpectedly detach mid-shoot. “The sun was setting, and I was trying to get all my lines out before we lost the light,” he recounted. “And suddenly, the whole car was in flames. It turned from a barbecue to a bonfire on the back straight. I couldn’t even get the crew to come in and help me because the radio wasn’t working.” He then quipped to the audience, “I hear that’s still possible, correct? You guys didn’t fix that. Well, that’s good.” The Hollywood Reporter had previously reported in November 2024 that Cruise had engaged in preliminary talks with Paramount Pictures regarding a potential follow-up to Days of Thunder. These discussions were fueled by the film’s growing reputation among NASCAR enthusiasts and the continued relevance of its themes. With the support of key figures in the film industry and the motorsport community, the sequel appears poised to capture both nostalgic appeal and fresh perspectives on the world of racing. The production team behind the sequel includes writer Will Staples, known for his work on action-comedy films, and director Jonathan Levine, whose previous projects have balanced humor with heartfelt storytelling. Cruise’s involvement as a producer suggests that the film will maintain the high-energy, visually dynamic style that defined the original. Given the current momentum behind the project, it is expected that filming will begin in early 2027, with principal photography likely to take place at several major racing venues across the United States. As the anticipation builds for the 2028 release, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see whether the sequel can live up to the legacy of its predecessor, or perhaps even surpass it. For now, the focus remains on bringing the story of Days of Thunder into the future, with Cruise at the helm, ready to once again take the wheel.