Randy Quaid criticises Anne Hathaway’s Days of Thunder casting

Actor Randy Quaid has criticised the casting of Anne Hathaway in the upcoming sequel to Days of Thunder, saying Nicole Kidman should return to the role she played in the original 1990 film.

Tom Cruise recently announced the sequel, with Hathaway set to play the female lead. The film is currently planned for a theatrical release in June 2028, nearly four decades after the original.

Quaid, who played racing team owner Tim Daland in the first film, shared his reaction on X. He called Hathaway a “horrible choice” and argued that Kidman should reprise her role as Dr Claire Lewicki, the romantic lead opposite Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle.

In another post, Quaid criticised Hathaway’s political image and claimed that her casting would not appeal to the film’s NASCAR audience. He also questioned whether the sequel could succeed with the new casting.

Cruise and Hathaway announced the project in a social media video. Hathaway, who is expecting her third child, joked about the production schedule, saying she would have the baby before making the film. Cruise responded that the movie would be made after the birth and confirmed its planned summer 2028 release.

The original Days of Thunder was directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. The film followed Cole Trickle, a talented but ambitious NASCAR driver recruited by Quaid’s character Tim Daland.

Kidman played Dr Claire Lewicki, a neurosurgeon who becomes romantically involved with Trickle. The cast also included Robert Duvall, Cary Elwes and John C. Reilly.

For the sequel, Jonathan Levine has been confirmed as director, while Cruise will produce alongside Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper. Cruise is expected to return as Cole Trickle.

Quaid’s comments have added controversy to the sequel even before production begins. His criticism comes as interest in legacy sequels continues to grow, with studios bringing back popular films decades after their original releases.

While fans of the 1990 film will have to wait until 2028 for the new chapter, the casting change from Kidman to Hathaway has already sparked debate among audiences and members of the original cast.