Tom Cruise & Anne Hathaway's Days Of Thunder 2 Filming Start Window Confirmed

Published Sep 23, 2026, 12:25 PM EDT Maggie Dela Paz is a News and TV writer at ScreenRant. She has nearly a decade of professional experience in writing entertainment articles about a wide range of topics, including movies, television, music, anime, streaming, and more. Days of Thunder 2 receives a major filming update from one of its leading stars. Nearly a month has passed since Paramount Pictures announced the official casting of Anne Hathaway in Days of Thunder 2, and it looks like the Academy Award winner has finally set her target filming schedule for the sequel. She is joining original cast member Tom Cruise, who will be reprising his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle. This marks the first collaboration between Hathaway and Cruise. Moviegoers had already gotten a glimpse of the A-listers’ chemistry through the Days of Thunder 2 announcement video, where they can be seen having playful banter on the track at the Daytona International Speedway. In 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. Check out what the actor had to say below: "I am taking a little break. The movie comes out October 2nd, and on October 3rd, I'm going to, like, vanish in a plume of smoke, and you're not going to see me until you have to. So, I'm definitely gonna disappear, take some time off. But then, yes, I'm joining Tom on the track in March." Days of Thunder was directed by Tony Scott, who previously worked with Cruise in 1986’s classic action film Top Gun. The sports action movie was set in the high-stakes world of NASCAR racing, following a young and reckless racer who competes in the Daytona 500 under the guidance of a veteran race car driver. During its theatrical run, the 1990 film initially garnered mixed reviews from critics, but was later hailed as a cult classic after receiving love from racing fans over the years. The cast also included Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Michael Rooker, Cary Elwes, and John C. Reilly. Paramount Pictures So far, Cruise and Hathaway are the only confirmed cast members for the sequel. The acclaimed actress has signed on to play a NASCAR team owner and engineer. Her casting was recently slammed by original cast member Randy Quaid, who felt that Kidman’s return would have been a better fit for the sequel. Set to helm the long-awaited project for Paramount Pictures is director Jonathan Levine, with Will Staples writing the screenplay. Levine is best known for his work on 50/50 and Warm Bodies. Original producer Jerry Bruckheimer is also returning to produce the sequel alongside Cruise and Tommy Harper. Aside from Days of Thunder 2, Hathaway and Cruise have other major projects lined up. In 2027, Hathaway will next be seen starring opposite Adam Driver in Amazon MGM Studios’ war drama Alone at Dawn, which debuts on December 25, 2027. She’s also attached to reprise her iconic role as Queen Mia Thermopolis in Disney’s The Princess Diaries 3. Meanwhile, Cruise is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his satirical black comedy film Digger from award-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu. In the movie, Tom Cruise transforms into a corrupt and unhinged wealthy oil tycoon. It will be released on October 2, 2026. Days of Thunder 2 will arrive in theaters on June 2, 2028. Release Date June 27, 1990 Runtime 107 minutes Director Tony Scott