Actor Randy Quaid has publicly criticized the casting of Anne Hathaway in the upcoming sequel to the 1990 film "Days of Thunder," stating she is a "horrible choice" for the movie's intended audience. Quaid, who played a race team owner in the original film, expressed his views in a social media post.
Quaid described Hathaway as "woke" and suggested that her political leanings would alienate a "MAGA" audience. He also commented on her pregnancy, stating she "isn’t sexy" and questioning her suitability for a romantic role opposite Tom Cruise, who is reprising his role as Cole Trickle. Quaid advocated for the return of Nicole Kidman, Cruise's ex-wife, who played the romantic interest in the original film and met Cruise on set.
"We need Nicole back. Don’t be a pussy, @TomCruise," Quaid urged in his post. "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."
Tom Cruise and Anne Hathaway announced her casting in a video shared on August 29, 2026, with Hathaway, who is pregnant, saying, "I’m gonna have this baby and then we’re gonna make this movie." The sequel is slated for a summer 2028 release. Details about Hathaway's specific role have not been released, but she is reportedly expected to portray a team owner and engineer.
Quaid, who has had a limited film presence in recent years, drew a parallel between the production of the original "Days of Thunder" and the upcoming sequel, noting the rush to complete the first film. He suggested that the current approach might indicate a desire for the sequel to "tank."