The upcoming Days of Thunder sequel has added Anne Hathaway to its cast, with Tom Cruise set to reprise his role from the 1990 original. Paramount has scheduled the follow-up for a 2028 theatrical release, according to multiple outlets including NDTV and Variety.
Variety, which first reported the news, said Hathaway will star opposite Cruise in the project. Deadline also confirmed the casting, noting that Hathaway joins the film as production moves forward. The sequel marks the first return to the Days of Thunder franchise in over three decades, with Cruise's character originally a hotshot NASCAR driver.
The announcement has drawn a critical response from Randy Quaid, who appeared in the original film. In comments reported by The Times of India, Quaid called Hathaway a "horrible choice" for the sequel and suggested the studio should instead bring back Nicole Kidman, Cruise's former wife, who also starred in the 1990 movie. Quaid's remarks add an early note of controversy to the project's buildup.
Tom Cruise confirmed the sequel's existence in a separate statement, with The New Indian Express reporting that he announced the follow-up would hit theaters in 2028. The film is part of Paramount's broader slate, though plot details and additional casting have not yet been disclosed.
With Hathaway now attached and a release window locked, the production is expected to move into active development soon. Fans of the original will be watching for further casting announcements and a possible production start date in the coming months.
