Yes, a sequel to Days of Thunder is happening: Tom Cruise will return as Cole Trickle, Anne Hathaway will co-star, and Paramount has scheduled the film for June 2, 2028. That answers the news question. Whether the 1990 NASCAR drama needs a follow-up is another matter—and the announcement has not yet given us a plot that makes the case.
Is there really going to be a Days of Thunder sequel?
Yes. Tom Cruise announced the follow-up at Daytona International Speedway in August 2026. It is a real announced project, not just the sequel Jeff Gordon discussed with Cruise the previous year. The Associated Press reported the announcement and project details.
![Days Of Thunder (1990) (BD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YjSV2YYmL._SL160_.jpg)
When does the Days of Thunder sequel come out?
Paramount has scheduled the film for theatrical release on June 2, 2028. That is the announced date, not a guarantee; release plans can change. Variety also reported the scheduled date.
Is Tom Cruise coming back as Cole Trickle?
Yes. Cruise is reprising Cole Trickle, the driver he played in the original Days of Thunder (1990). Returning to the same character gives the sequel a direct connection to the first film, but the announcement has not supplied a plot synopsis or explained where Trickle’s story goes next.
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- Factory sealed DVD
Who is in the Days of Thunder sequel?
- Tom Cruise: returning as Cole Trickle and producing.
- Anne Hathaway: co-starring as a team owner and engineer.
- Jonathan Levine: set to direct.
- Will Staples: wrote the script.
- Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper: producing alongside Cruise.
These are the announced cast and creative details; they are not a full cast list. Jeff Gordon’s role, if any, has not been confirmed. In February 2025, Gordon said he had spoken with Cruise about a possible sequel and wanted to be involved if it happened. That was an expression of interest before the film was announced, not confirmation he is part of the production. NASCAR reported Gordon’s comments.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the sequel still has to earn its place
Days of Thunder is a 1990 movie; the announced follow-up is scheduled for 2028. The long gap makes the return of Trickle an event, but nostalgia alone is not a story. Until a synopsis arrives, there is no basis for judging whether the film has a compelling new racing conflict or merely revisits familiar ground.
Cruise said at the announcement that the film is “not just about racing” and emphasized the community and people around the sport. That is his stated intention, not a confirmed description of the finished movie. It could give a sequel a worthwhile angle: NASCAR is more than a driver and a finish line. The people who build a team, keep it running, and live with the consequences of a race can make the setting feel larger than a victory montage.
Rick Hendrick, whose organization published his positive reaction, said the sequel would do the sport “a tremendous amount of good.” That is an interested motorsports figure’s opinion, not evidence of the film’s quality or of what audiences want. Hendrick Motorsports published his remarks.
Rank #3
![Days of Thunder [Blu-ray] [Region A & B & C]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ahW1bE9TL._SL160_.jpg)
- Action
- Drama
- Sport
So the skeptical case remains simple: no one needs a sequel just because a familiar title can draw attention. The more persuasive case will have to come from the film itself—with a story that gives Cole Trickle a meaningful reason to return and treats the racing community as more than backdrop. For now, we know the sequel is coming; we do not yet know whether it has earned the trip back to the track.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Rank #4
![Paramount Presents: Days of Thunder [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51k5s0iNPIL._SL160_.jpg)
- The disk has English audio and subtitles.
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