--- title: "Tom Cruise Confirms ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel Coming Summer 2028" date: "2026-08-29" modified: "2026-08-29" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tom-cruise-confirms-days-of-thunder-2-coming-summer-2028" categories: - "Culture" - "News" --- # Tom Cruise Confirms ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel Coming Summer 2028 !['Days of Thunder' 2]() *\Tom Cruise's Instagram\  * It's happening, officially. On Saturday, [Tom Cruise announced via Instagram]() that *Days of Thunder* will return with a sequel in summer of 2028. The announcement included Anne Hathaway, who will apparently be part of the resurrected cult classic. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcoaubOBSlX/ Filming for the new *Days of Thunder* has not commenced. Cruise and Hathaway joked in the announcement they'll go make the movie after Hathaway has her baby. Hathaway is pregnant with her third child. What exactly the *Days of Thunder* sequel will be called is unclear. The NASCAR race car shown in the announcement post simply had *Days of Thunder* with "Summer 2028" on the side while painted in the iconic livery used in the first movie. Cole Trickle's name was above the door on the car, which is the race car driver that Tom Cruise played in the first movie. In July, it was reported that [Cruise had signed on to the sequel]() with Paramount . Reportedly the production house was seeking a director for the new movie. The original *Days of Thunder* was directed by Tony Scott, but Scott died in 2012. Robert Duvall also starred in the original movie, but the iconic actor died in February. But Randy Quaid, who played Tim Daland, a car dealer owner who wanted to start a NASCAR race team, is still alive and is currently 75 years old. In 2025 NASCAR legend [Jeff Gordon said]() he wanted to be part of the new *Days of Thunder* sequel, but this was before the movie or Cruise's involvement was confirmed. After the success of *Top Gun: Maverick* Cruise said he [wanted to resurrect *Days of Thunder*]() and give it the same treatment. The original *Days of Thunder* came out after Cruise made the original *Top Gun*. Mark your calendar for two years from now, *Days of Thunder* fans. Special tires will undoubtedly be included. *Got a tip? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()