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Days of Thunder Sequel Scheduled for 2028 Release

Paramount Pictures announced the racing film will arrive in theaters nearly four decades after the original.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Action/Adventure

Graphic illustration in electric blue and magenta featuring a racing helmet and abstract track geometry, evoking 1990s action cinema aesthetics.
Paramount Pictures has officially scheduled the sequel to the 1990 racing film Days of Thunder for a June 2028 theatrical release. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Local racing enthusiast Brexton Busch met actor Michael Rooker in Las Vegas, sparking renewed attention for the upcoming sequel to the 1990 classic. Paramount Pictures has officially slated the project for a June 2, 2028, theatrical debut.

Why it matters

The sequel aims to revive the franchise that earned over $157 million worldwide and an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound. Production is set to capitalize on IMAX technology as interest in the racing film genre remains steady among valley fans.

The original film earned more than $157 million during its run, and the sequel is scheduled for release 40 years after the debut of the 1990 racing drama. Financial data regarding the production budget for the new film remains unknown.

The players

Brexton Busch

A racing enthusiast who met Michael Rooker in Las Vegas.

Michael Rooker

The actor who portrayed Rowdy Burns and met with Brexton Busch.

Paramount Pictures

The film studio responsible for the production and release of the sequel.

The details

Michael Rooker, known for his portrayal of Rowdy Burns, met with Brexton Busch to mark the lead-up to the new project. Paramount Pictures confirmed the film will be shot for IMAX screens, with principal photography currently expected to begin in 2027.

Timeline

  1. 1990: The original Days of Thunder film was released.

  2. 2023: Michael Rooker served as grand marshal for the Pala Casino 400 in Fontana.

  3. October 2, 2026: Brexton Busch met Michael Rooker in Las Vegas.

  4. 2027: Filming for the Days of Thunder sequel is expected to begin.

  5. June 2, 2028: Paramount Pictures has scheduled the release date for the new film.

Beyond the Strip

The 2028 sequel seeks to build upon the legacy established by the 1990 release of Days of Thunder. This release follows a trend of Hollywood studios revisiting high-grossing racing dramas from the late 20th century.

Fans in the valley can watch for filming news in 2027 to see if local tracks become production sites. The film is officially slated to arrive in theaters on June 2, 2028.

The takeaway

The sequel arrives exactly 40 years after the original film, highlighting the lasting popularity of racing cinema. Watch for production announcements beginning in 2027 to see if any local racing venues are utilized for filming.

What happens next

Fans can monitor for casting announcements and production updates throughout 2027 as the film enters the shooting phase.

Further reading

For more on the local film scene, visit Action/Adventure.

Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.

Live Poll

Do you generally look forward to watching movie sequels released decades after the original?