Days of Thunder 2 is moving from long-running speculation to a dated theatrical project. Tom Cruise announced at Daytona International Speedway that he will return as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in a follow-up to the 1990 racing film. Paramount Pictures has set June 2, 2028, for the release, giving the project a firm place on the studio’s calendar.

The announcement came before the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale in Florida, where Cruise waved the green flag and appeared at the drivers’ meeting. He spoke about the racing community and the film’s interest in teams, drivers, speed and the danger surrounding the sport. The setting connected the new announcement with the culture that the original movie helped bring to a wider mainstream audience.

Anne Hathaway will co-star in the new film as a race-team owner and engineer. The role gives the sequel a different team dynamic from the first picture, although plot details remain limited. Cruise is expected to reprise the central character rather than appear only as a producer or mentor. The original also featured Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid and John C. Reilly.

Jonathan Levine is attached to direct from a screenplay by Will Staples. Cruise will produce with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Variety reports that the picture is planned for IMAX and other premium theatrical formats, including Dolby Cinema and 4DX. Paramount has not announced a full supporting cast, production start date or detailed story outline.

The first film was a major commercial success despite mixed critical notices and later became a cult favorite among NASCAR fans. Its continuing profile, Cruise’s return and Hathaway’s new behind-the-wheel role explain why the announcement quickly became a major entertainment search. For now, the confirmed facts are the cast pairing, the creative team and the 2028 cinema date; questions about the plot and racing locations remain open.