Tom Cruise created a Days of Thunder 2 character for Anne Hathaway, then rang her: ‘You’re going to crush it’
Tom Cruise is revving up Days of Thunder 2, teasing what’s ahead and raving about Anne Hathaway’s character — and you’ll want to know what he’s hinting at.
In case you missed the memo, Tom Cruise is back behind the wheel for Days of Thunder 2, and, as if that wasn’t enough, he’s got Anne Hathaway on board for the ride. If that combination piques your interest (and let’s be honest, how could it not?), here’s everything we know so far – straight from the mouths of the stars and the studio, with a release date finally lined up.
The Story Takes Shape
It’s been almost four decades (seriously) since Cruise first put on that oversized race suit as Cole Trickle in the original 1990 film, which somehow still gets quoted at certain American-themed pubs. Now, Paramount is handing us a sequel, with Cruise reprising his signature role and Hathaway introduced as a new character.
Fresh from a recent promo blitz, Cruise let slip exactly how chuffed he is about teaming up with Hathaway this time round. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he didn’t exactly hold back:
Boys, that woman’s talented! I really admire her.
He didn’t stop there. Apparently, Cruise’s excitement is partly down to what he’s cooked up for Hathaway. He told the outlet that there’s a proper fun story in the mix, and that he actually rang her just to say:
I’ve got a great character I’ve created for you. You’re going to crush it.
So, if you’re wondering whether Hathaway is playing a background mechanic or full-blown competitor, Cruise certainly thinks she’s got headline material coming her way.
Hathaway’s Racing Timeline
The cast list is still fairly secretive beyond the two leads, but Hathaway laid out her own schedule during another Entertainment Tonight chat. She’s currently pregnant with her third child and keen to get a bit of downtime. Her current film Verity hits screens on 2 October 2026, but as soon as her press duties finish, she says she’ll be off-grid for a while. Yet, she confirmed she’s starting work on Days of Thunder 2 in March 2027, so filming isn’t nearly as far off as you might think.
Hathaway will step onto the track with Cruise come March 2027.
The Film-Making Team and Release Date
Behind the camera, Paramount have sorted out Jonathan Levine as director and handed the script duties to Will Staples. So, if you’re expecting the exact same 90s flavour, probably don’t. Levine’s got a bit of an offbeat streak, and Staples is best known for more modern action fare—could go either way, really. There’s still no confirmation on further cast, so the rest of the pit crew will be announced in due course.
After months of rumour and cryptic Instagram banter (yes, there was a video of Cruise and Hathaway bantering over a NASCAR vehicle, proving neither are above a bit of corporate warm-up), Paramount has finally stuck a date on the thing: Days of Thunder 2 is headed to cinemas on 2 June 2028.