Tom Cruise Upcoming Movies: From Digger to Days of Thunder 2, Here Is What the Superstar Has Next

Tom Cruise is showing no signs of slowing down. After decades of blockbuster hits and some of Hollywood's most ambitious action movies, the superstar has several major projects lined up for the future. His upcoming slate includes a surprising change of direction as well as a highly anticipated return to one of his most memorable characters.

For fans wondering what comes after Mission Impossible, there is plenty to look forward to. Cruise is preparing to appear in Digger, while a sequel to the 1990 racing movie Days of Thunder has now been officially announced for 2028.

Digger Brings a Different Tom Cruise

One of the most interesting projects in Tom Cruise's upcoming lineup is Digger, directed and co-written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

The movie is a major departure from the traditional action roles audiences usually associate with Cruise. He plays Digger Rockwell, an extremely powerful man who becomes connected to a global catastrophe and sets out on a mission to convince the world that he is its savior.

Cruise has described the role as a major creative challenge and a leap into unfamiliar territory. The film also features Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg and John Goodman.

Digger is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 2, 2026.

Tom Cruise Returns as Cole Trickle

The biggest surprise for fans is the return of Cole Trickle.

Cruise will reprise his role from Days of Thunder in a new sequel to the 1990 racing movie. The announcement was made at Daytona International Speedway, where Cruise confirmed that the new film will focus heavily on the NASCAR world, its community, speed and danger.

The sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on June 2, 2028.

Anne Hathaway will co-star in the movie as a team owner and engineer. The project will be directed by Jonathan Levine from a screenplay by Will Staples, while Cruise will also produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper.

Why Days of Thunder 2 Could Become a Major Event

The return of Cole Trickle gives Tom Cruise another opportunity to revisit a character from his earlier career.

Days of Thunder was released in 1990 and became closely associated with NASCAR culture despite receiving a mixed critical response at the time. Over the years, the film developed a loyal following among racing fans.

The upcoming sequel could therefore appeal to both longtime fans of the original and a new generation of moviegoers. The success of legacy sequels has also shown that audiences remain interested in seeing major stars return to iconic roles.

Cruise's involvement could make the project particularly exciting because of his well-known commitment to performing demanding physical sequences himself.

Tom Cruise Is Entering a New Phase

What makes Cruise's upcoming lineup particularly interesting is the variety.

Digger gives him the opportunity to explore a very different kind of character under an acclaimed filmmaker, while Days of Thunder 2 brings him back to a role that audiences have not seen him play in decades.

This combination suggests that Cruise is not simply repeating the same formula. He appears to be balancing ambitious original projects with recognizable properties that already have a built-in audience.

What Fans Can Expect Next

For Tom Cruise fans, the next few years could bring another fascinating chapter in his career.

Digger is expected to arrive first in October 2026, offering audiences a very different side of the actor. After that, the return of Cole Trickle in Days of Thunder 2 gives Cruise another major legacy project to look forward to, with the sequel scheduled for June 2028.

With Cruise continuing to take on ambitious roles and major productions, his future movie lineup remains one of the most interesting in Hollywood. And if his past is any indication, audiences may not have seen his biggest stunt or surprise yet.