31 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Actor Randy Quaid, who starred alongside Tom Cruise in the original Days of Thunder, has publicly criticised the casting of Anne Hathaway in the upcoming sequel, calling her a “horrible choice” and arguing that Nicole Kidman should return instead.
Quaid Wants Nicole Kidman Back
Quaid played racing team owner Tim Daland in the 1990 film, while Kidman portrayed Dr Claire Lewicki opposite Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle.
Following the announcement of the sequel, Quaid took to X to urge Cruise to bring Kidman back, arguing that a reunion of the original stars would make the sequel more appealing to fans of the first film.
Controversial Comments About Hathaway
In a separate post, Quaid made a disparaging comment about Hathaway’s appearance and pregnancy, saying she was not “sexy” because she was pregnant.
Hathaway, 43, is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman. Her pregnancy was referenced during the announcement video with Cruise, in which she joked that she would have the baby before making the film.
Quaid Also Calls Her ‘Woke’
Quaid’s criticism went beyond the casting itself. He described Hathaway as a “leftist, woke” choice and claimed that the film’s NASCAR audience was “MAGA”.
He argued that Kidman would be a better fit for the franchise and said bringing back the original female lead would make more sense for a sequel.
Hathaway to Play a New Character
Hathaway is not replacing Kidman’s original character in a direct continuation of that role.
She is set to play a new character described as a race-team owner and engineer, while Cruise will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle.
‘Days of Thunder 2’ Announced
Cruise announced the sequel alongside Hathaway in a video shared on social media.
The project is being developed by Paramount, with Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper attached as producers. Jonathan Levine is directing from a script by Will Staples.
Sequel Set for 2028
The sequel is scheduled for a June 2028 theatrical release and is being prepared for IMAX.
The film will arrive nearly four decades after the original Days of Thunder, which was released in 1990 and directed by Tony Scott.
Original Film’s Legacy
Days of Thunder starred Cruise as Cole Trickle, an ambitious NASCAR driver, with Kidman as Dr Claire Lewicki and Quaid as team owner Tim Daland.
The original remains associated with Cruise’s racing-star persona and the Hollywood-NASCAR crossover of the early 1990s.
Quaid’s Comments Draw Mixed Reaction
Quaid’s remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with some social-media users defending Hathaway’s casting and others agreeing that Kidman’s return would provide a stronger connection to the original.
The casting decision, however, remains unchanged, with Hathaway officially attached to the sequel.
A Sequel With a Different Direction
While Quaid wants the sequel to reunite Cruise and Kidman, the announced project appears to be taking a different route by introducing Hathaway’s new character.
Whether the sequel can recreate the appeal of the original will ultimately depend on its story, performances and connection to modern NASCAR.