Randy Quaid Slams ‘Woke’ Anne Hathaway for ‘Days of Thunder’ Sequel
Randy Quaid criticized Anne Hathaway's casting in the "Days of Thunder" sequel, demanding Nicole Kidman's return and arguing the choice ignores NASCAR fans' conservative politics.
The 75-year-old actor, who appeared in the original 1990 racing film alongside Tom Cruise, unleashed a series of social media posts criticizing the casting announcement shortly after Cruise and Anne Hathaway revealed their collaboration for the 2028 sequel, according to Wendy Geller writing in New York Post.
Quaid directed his frustration squarely at Cruise in a post on X this past Saturday, insisting the production needs Nicole Kidman to return to her role from the original film. He dismissed Hathaway’s suitability for the part, noting her current pregnancy and questioning her appeal for the character.
Political Concerns Over Casting Choice
In a follow-up message, Quaid expanded his criticism beyond aesthetic considerations to political ones, characterizing Hathaway as a leftist, woke, horrible choice for a NASCAR-themed film whose natural audience skews conservative. He argued that Kidman would represent the casting decision that would actually resonate with moviegoers and drive ticket sales.
The actor suggested the casting seemed almost deliberately designed to underperform commercially, expressing bewilderment at the choice.
Former Co-Stars Haven’t Worked Together Since Divorce
Cruise, now 64, and his former wife Kidman, 59, both starred in the 1990 original production but have not collaborated professionally since their divorce was finalized in 2001. The Australian actress played a pivotal role in the first film opposite Cruise’s character.
Hathaway, who is 43 and expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, appears visibly pregnant in the announcement video. She acknowledged the timing, stating she intends to give birth before production begins.
New Direction For Sequel
The sequel will see Cruise returning as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle, while Hathaway takes on an entirely new role as an engineer and team owner rather than reprising any character from the original film.
Quaid himself has apparently not received an invitation to reprise his role as Tim Daland, the racing team owner who recruited Trickle in the first installment.
Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper will join Cruise as producers on the project, with Jonathan Levine attached to direct. The studio has set a release date of June 2, 2028.
With information from New York Post
