Actor Tom Cruise has officially announced the production of a sequel to "Days of Thunder," one of his early classic films.

According to U.S. media outlet Deadline, Paramount Pictures is accelerating the production of the "Days of Thunder" sequel starring Tom Cruise, with confirmation that Anne Hathaway is joining the cast.

On the 30th, Cruise posted a photo on his social media leaning against a NASCAR stock car with Anne Hathaway. In an accompanying video, the two actors announced that "Days of Thunder 2" will arrive in theaters in the summer of 2028. The movie will be shot with IMAX cameras and is scheduled to be screened in formats including Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and premium large screens.

"Days of Thunder" tells the story of Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise), a young driver recruited by a retired racing legend (played by Robert Duvall) who joins a new NASCAR team. It is a signature work of the late director Tony Scott, the younger brother of director Ridley Scott.

Released in the summer of 1990, the original film was a massive success, grossing $82.6 million at the North American box office and $157.9 million worldwide. Tom Cruise led the film as Cole Trickle, an ambitious rookie racer. He met Nicole Kidman through the project, and the two developed a romantic relationship and were married for 11 years.

Returning after 38 years, the sequel to "Days of Thunder" raises expectations for a syndrome similar to that of Cruise's other early hit, "Top Gun." Released in 1986, "Top Gun" returned 36 years later in 2022 with the sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," generating a box office sensation with over $1.4 billion in worldwide revenue.

The sequel will be directed by Jonathan Levine, who has showcased his stylistic directing sense through "Long Shot" and "Warm Bodies." Tom Cruise will serve as both lead actor and producer. Jerry Bruckheimer, who recreated the "Top Gun: Maverick" phenomenon with Tom Cruise, will serve as executive producer.



(Photo provided by Paramount Pictures)

(Reported by Kim Ji-hye, SBS Entertainment News)