Days Of Thunder 2: Anne Hathaway Reveals When Filming With Tom Cruise Begins

Days of Thunder 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on June 2, 2028, and the long-awaited sequel has received a significant production update from star Anne Hathaway.

Nearly a month after Paramount Pictures officially announced Hathaway’s casting in Days of Thunder 2, the Oscar-winning actress has revealed when she expects to begin filming the sequel. Hathaway will join original star Tom Cruise, who is returning as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle.

The upcoming film will mark the first time Hathaway and Cruise have shared the screen. Fans have already seen a preview of their on-screen dynamic in the announcement video for Days of Thunder 2, which features the two stars exchanging playful dialogue at Daytona International Speedway.

During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Hathaway confirmed that she’ll start filming Days of Thunder 2 with Cruise in March 2027. However, before that, she’ll be taking a much-needed break from work after the theatrical release of Amazon MGM Studios’ erotic thriller film Verity on October 2, 2026, which serves as her final film for the year. Hathaway had a very busy 2026 that was filled with press events and movie promotions for five major movies, including Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey. Both films received blockbuster success and were also praised by critics.

Hathaway has had an especially busy 2026, participating in extensive promotional activities for five major films, including The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey. Both movies achieved major box-office success and received positive responses from critics.

The original Days of Thunder, directed by Tony Scott, reunited Cruise with the filmmaker following their collaboration on 1986’s Top Gun. Released in 1990, the sports action movie explored the dangerous and competitive world of NASCAR. The story followed young racer Cole Trickle as he pursued success in the Daytona 500 while receiving guidance from an experienced racing veteran.

Although the original movie received mixed reviews from critics when it was released, it gradually developed a devoted following among racing enthusiasts and became regarded as a cult classic. The film also featured Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Michael Rooker, Cary Elwes, and John C. Reilly.

At present, Cruise and Hathaway are the only officially confirmed cast members for Days of Thunder 2. Hathaway is set to portray a NASCAR team owner and engineer. Her casting has already attracted criticism from original cast member Randy Quaid, who argued that bringing back Nicole Kidman would have been a more suitable choice for the sequel.

Jonathan Levine is directing Days of Thunder 2 for Paramount Pictures, with Will Staples writing the screenplay. Levine is known for directing films such as 50/50 and Warm Bodies. Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original movie, is returning as a producer alongside Cruise and Tommy Harper.

Both Hathaway and Cruise also have several other projects ahead. Hathaway is scheduled to appear opposite Adam Driver in Amazon MGM Studios’ war drama Alone at Dawn, which is set for release on December 25, 2027. She is also expected to return as Queen Mia Thermopolis in Disney’s The Princess Diaries 3.

Cruise, meanwhile, is preparing for the release of Digger, a satirical black comedy from acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu. Cruise plays a wealthy and corrupt oil tycoon in the upcoming film, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 2, 2026.