Randy Quaid says Anne Hathaway is wrong for Days of Thunder 2
Days of Thunder star Randy Quaid attacked Anne Hathaway's casting in the Tom Cruise-led sequel on X, calling her a "woke" and "horrible choice" for the NASCAR drama and demanding Nicole Kidman return as the romantic lead instead. Reps for Paramount and Hathaway had not commented on his posts. The 8216days thunder8217 star randy remarks spread after Variety reported Hathaway had joined the Paramount racing drama, which is set for a June 2028 release.
Key Takeaways
- Randy Quaid posted blunt criticism of Anne Hathaway on X after news broke that she would star opposite Tom Cruise in Days of Thunder 2.
- Quaid argued Nicole Kidman should reprise her role as Dr. Claire Lewicki from the 1990 original.
- He described Hathaway as politically misaligned with a NASCAR audience he characterized as MAGA-leaning.
- Paramount has scheduled a June 2028 theatrical release; reps for the studio and Hathaway did not immediately respond to Variety.
What Did Randy Quaid Say About Anne Hathaway?
Quaid sounded off on social media Saturday after Hathaway's involvement in the sequel was revealed. In one post, he wrote, "We need Nicole [Kidman] back," and addressed Cruise directly: "Don't be a pussy, [Tom Cruise]. You need the original girl. It's not personal; it's filmmaking."
He also claimed Hathaway "isn't sexy" and referenced her pregnancy. In a follow-up post, Quaid called Hathaway "a leftist, woke, horrible choice for 'DAYS OF THUNDER' NASCAR audience who are MAGA."
Why Does Quaid Want Nicole Kidman Back?
In the original Days of Thunder, Quaid played Tim Daland, owner of the racing team that recruits Cruise's driver Cole Trickle. Kidman starred as Dr. Claire Lewicki, the film's romantic lead.
Quaid argued the "sexy older chick for Tom in this film needs to be Nicole." He said that casting "would sell the idea" to fans of the first movie. Other original cast members included Robert Duvall, Cary Elwes, and John C. Reilly, with Tony Scott directing.
When Is Days of Thunder 2 Coming Out?
Variety exclusively reported Hathaway's casting and confirmed Paramount has slated the sequel for a June 2028 theatrical release. The project was shot for Imax and will arrive nearly 40 years after the original film.
Quaid also questioned the production's urgency, comparing it to the first film when "editors slept in the cutting room on shifts." He suggested the studio might want the sequel to "come out and tank." For more film and TV casting news, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Reps for Paramount and Hathaway did not immediately respond to Variety's request for comment on Quaid's posts.