Actor Randy Quaid, who played team owner Tim Daland in the original 1990 film Days of Thunder, has publicly attacked the casting of Anne Hathaway in the upcoming sequel. Quaid took to social media to express his anger, calling Hathaway a “horrible choice” and demanding that Nicole Kidman return to the franchise instead.
Tom Cruise announced the sequel on August 29, 2026, via a video filmed at Daytona International Speedway. The video showed Cruise alongside Hathaway, confirming that the Devil Wears Prada star would join the racing drama. The movie is scheduled for a June 2028 release. However, the announcement quickly drew backlash from Quaid, who did not hold back in his criticism.
Quaid’s Social Media Attack on Hathaway and Cruise
Randy Quaid took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts directly with Tom Cruise. He wrote, “We need Nicole [Kidman] back. Don’t be a p***y, [Tom Cruise]. You need the original girl. It’s not personal; it’s filmmaking. Anne isn’t sexy, because and if you haven’t noticed, she’s pregnant.”
In a follow-up post, Quaid went further, saying, “Anne Hathaway is a leftist, woke, horrible choice for ‘DAYS OF THUNDER’ NASCAR audience who are MAGA. The sexy older chick for Tom in this film needs to be Nicole. That’s the casting that would sell the idea.”
Quaid also criticized the production timeline, comparing it to the original film. He wrote, “It’s interesting because when we made the first one there was also a rush to get it out; editors slept in the cutting room on shifts. This is a weird thing, like they want it to come out and tank.”
The Original Days of Thunder and the Kidman-Cruise Connection
The original Days of Thunder, directed by Tony Scott, was released in 1990. It starred Tom Cruise as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle and Nicole Kidman as Dr. Claire Lewicki, his love interest. The film also featured Randy Quaid as Tim Daland, the team owner, alongside the late Robert Duvall.
Cruise and Kidman met on the set of the film and married later that year. They divorced in 2001 after 11 years of marriage. Reports have suggested that Kidman was in talks to return for the sequel, but no deal was ever confirmed.
Anne Hathaway’s Role and Pregnancy
Anne Hathaway, 43, is set to play a race-team owner and engineer in the sequel. She is currently pregnant with her third child with husband Adam Shulman. In the announcement video, Hathaway addressed her pregnancy, saying, “I’m gonna have the baby, and then we’re gonna make the movie.”
Despite Quaid’s comments about her appearance, many online users defended Hathaway. One social media user wrote, “Pregnant or not, Anne Hathaway is sexy as hell.” Another person commented, “Anne Hathaway is the last person that should be in this movie.”
Tom Cruise and the Sequel’s Production
Tom Cruise will reprise his role as Cole Trickle and also serve as a producer. Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original, is returning as a producer alongside Tommy Harper. Jonathan Levine is set to direct the sequel.
The film is scheduled for a summer 2028 release. In the announcement video, Cruise said, “We’re coming out summer of 2028!” Hathaway jokingly responded, “Don’t be late!”
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The Original Film’s Legacy
The 1990 Days of Thunder earned over USD 150 million at the global box office. It was one of the early collaborations between Cruise and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, following the success of Top Gun. The film is considered a cult classic among racing and action movie fans.
Quaid’s comments have sparked a mixed reaction online. While some agree that Kidman should return, others have criticized Quaid for his remarks about Hathaway’s pregnancy and political views. The debate continues to heat up as the sequel moves closer to production.
Also Read: Anne Hathaway Named Disney Legend at D23 2026 as Her Movies Cross $2 Billion
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