‘Days of Thunder’ star Randy Quaid says Anne Hathaway is the ‘wrong choice’ for Tom Cruise sequel

Randy Quaid has sparked a fresh controversy surrounding the upcoming Days of Thunder sequel after publicly criticising Anne Hathaway's casting and calling for Nicole Kidman to return alongside Tom Cruise.

Quaid, who played NASCAR team owner Tim Daland in the 1990 original, took aim at Hathaway after her involvement in the long awaited sequel was reported. In a post on X on August 29, the actor argued that Kidman should reprise her role as Dr Claire Lewicki, the character who served as Cruise's romantic lead in the original film.

"We need Nicole back," Quaid wrote, directly addressing Cruise and insisting that the sequel needs "the original girl". He then criticised Hathaway's casting, making comments about her appearance and pregnancy.

Quaid continued his criticism in another post, describing Hathaway as a "leftist" and "woke" choice for the film's NASCAR audience. He also claimed that the casting decision could hurt the sequel's prospects, suggesting that the production could ultimately disappoint audiences.

The remarks have placed Hathaway's casting at the centre of renewed attention even though the sequel remains in development and is scheduled for a June 2028 theatrical release. Variety exclusively reported that Hathaway had joined Cruise in the project, which is being developed as a follow up to Tony Scott's original racing drama.

The new film is expected to reunite Cruise with the high speed world established in Days of Thunder, which followed Cole Trickle, a talented but inexperienced NASCAR driver who is recruited to compete at the highest level. Cruise played Trickle in the original, while Kidman portrayed Dr Claire Lewicki.

Quaid's connection to the franchise dates back to that first film. He portrayed Tim Daland, the owner of the racing team that gives Cruise's character his opportunity in NASCAR. The original cast also included Robert Duvall, Cary Elwes and John C Reilly.

Kidman's potential return has not been announced as part of the sequel's confirmed cast. Her absence from the reported casting news appears to have prompted Quaid's demand for her return, but there is currently no confirmation that the actress will reprise Claire Lewicki.

The sequel will arrive nearly four decades after the first Days of Thunder. Paramount has scheduled the film for cinemas in June 2028 and the production was shot for Imax, giving the project a major theatrical focus.

Hathaway's casting also adds a significant new star to the franchise, with the actress joining Cruise for another major studio project. Their involvement has already generated substantial attention because of the original film's enduring association with Cruise and Kidman.

Representatives for Paramount and Hathaway had not immediately responded to request for comment on Quaid's remarks at the time of its report.