Actor Randy Quaid has publicly voiced strong disapproval of Anne Hathaway's casting in the upcoming sequel to "Days of Thunder," labeling her a "woke" and "horrible choice" for the film.
Quaid, who starred alongside Tom Cruise in the original 1990 movie, expressed his views on social media following an Instagram Reel announcement of the sequel, slated for a 2028 release. Cruise and Hathaway appeared in the video to share the news.
"We need Nicole [Kidman] back. Don’t be a pussy @TomCruise,” Quaid posted on X. “You need the original girl. It’s not personal; it’s filmmaking. Anne isn’t sexy, because and if you haven’t noticed, she’s pregnant.”
He further elaborated in a subsequent post, stating, "Anne Hathaway is a leftist, woke, horrible choice for DAYS OF THUNDER NASCAR audience who are MAGA. The sexy older chick for Tom in this film needs to be Nicole. That’s the casting that would sell the idea." Quaid suggested the decision could lead to the film's failure.
In the announcement video, Hathaway, who is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, noted her intention to "have this baby, then make the movie." Cruise, reprising his role as NASCAR star Cole Trickle, responded positively to her plan.
Hathaway is set to portray a new character, an engineer and team owner, in the sequel. Quaid, who played Tim Daland, owner of the racing team that recruited Trickle in the original film, has apparently not been approached to return for the sequel.
Tom Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Tommy Harper are producing the film, with Jonathan Levine directing. "Days of Thunder 2" is scheduled for release on June 2, 2028.