Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Randy Quaid Challenges Hathaway Casting in Days of Thunder Sequel
A new Days of Thunder movie is planned for 2028.
Tom Cruise will play Cole Trickle again, the race-car driver from the first movie.
Anne Hathaway is joining him as a race-team owner and engineer.
Hathaway said the movie will likely be made after she has her baby.
Randy Quaid, who acted in the first movie, does not like this casting choice.
He said Nicole Kidman should return because she played Cruise’s love interest before.
Quaid also used political and personal language while criticizing Hathaway.
Paramount has announced the sequel, but the reports do not say that Hathaway’s role has been changed.
Tom Cruise will reprise Cole Trickle in the planned sequel to 1990’s Days of Thunder.
Anne Hathaway is set to play a race-team owner and engineer opposite Cruise.
Randy Quaid, who played team owner Tim Daland in the original, criticized Hathaway’s casting on X.
Quaid said Nicole Kidman should return as Cruise’s romantic counterpart instead of introducing a new female lead.
Paramount has scheduled the sequel for theatrical release in June 2028, with Jonathan Levine directing.
- Who
- Tom Cruise, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Nicole Kidman, and director Jonathan Levine are central to the story.
- What
- A sequel to Days of Thunder is planned, with Cruise returning and Hathaway joining the cast.
- When
- Quaid posted his criticism on August 29, 2026; the sequel is scheduled for June 2028.
- Where
- The film is set in the world of NASCAR stock-car racing; no production location is specified.
- Why
- Quaid believes Kidman’s return would better connect the sequel to the original and appeal to its audience.
Randy Quaid’s Criticism
Announced Sequel Plan
Hathaway’s casting
Randy Quaid’s Criticism
Quaid called Hathaway a “woke” and “horrible” choice and questioned whether she suited the NASCAR audience he described as MAGA.
Announced Sequel Plan
Cruise and Hathaway announced her involvement, with Hathaway set to play a major role opposite Cruise.
Returning female lead
Randy Quaid’s Criticism
Quaid argued that Nicole Kidman should return and that a reunion between Cruise and Kidman would make the sequel more compelling.
Announced Sequel Plan
The announced project confirms Cruise’s return but does not announce Kidman’s involvement.
Production timing
Randy Quaid’s Criticism
Quaid suggested the sequel seemed rushed and speculated that it could fail.
Announced Sequel Plan
The film has a scheduled 2028 release, with production expected after Hathaway gives birth.
- Original film
- Days of Thunder was released in 1990.
- Cruise’s role
- Cole Trickle, a stock-car racing driver.
- Hathaway’s role
- A race-team owner and engineer, according to reports.
- Kidman’s role
- Dr. Claire Lewicki, Trickle’s romantic interest in the original.
- Quaid’s role
- Tim Daland, a race-team owner who recruited Trickle.
- Release
- The sequel is scheduled for theatrical release in June 2028; one report specifies June 2 and an IMAX release.
- Production
- Jonathan Levine is directing, while Cruise, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Tommy Harper are producing.
- Original box office
- Reports say the 1990 film earned approximately USD 157.9 million worldwide, or more than USD 150 million globally.
Sources
Days of Thunder: Randy Quaid slams Anne Hathaway's casting in sequel, wants Nicole Kidman to be back
Randy Quaid Sparks Days of Thunder 2 Casting Feud
Randy Quaid slams Anne Hathaway’s casting in ‘Days of Thunder’ sequel: ‘She’s pregnant’
