Randy Quaid Criticizes Anne Hathaway's Casting in 'Days of Thunder 2' as 'Woke' and 'Horrible'

Key points

• Paramount Pictures has set a June 2, 2028, release date for the 'Days of Thunder' sequel, to be shot in IMAX and released in premium formats like Dolby Cinema and 4DX.
• Anne Hathaway will play a new character described as a racing team owner and engineer, while Tom Cruise reprises his role as driver Cole Trickle.
• Jonathan Levine is set to direct, with Jerry Bruckheimer and Tommy Harper producing; Will Staples wrote the script.
• Randy Quaid, who starred in the 1990 original, criticized the casting on social media, stating that Nicole Kidman should have returned and calling Hathaway a 'leftist, woke, horrible choice.'
• Quaid argued that Hathaway's pregnancy and political views make her an unsuitable choice for a film targeting NASCAR fans, whom he described as MAGA supporters.

Background

The original 'Days of Thunder' was released in 1990, directed by Tony Scott and starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The film grossed approximately $157.9 million worldwide. The sequel had been anticipated by fans for over three decades. Recent archive coverage confirms the project's fast-track development following the confirmation of director Jonathan Levine and the June 2028 release date.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline provided standard industry coverage, confirming Hathaway's role as a team owner and engineer, and noting that Cruise is producing alongside Jerry Bruckheimer. They highlighted Hathaway's busy 2026 schedule, including 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'The Odyssey.' Digital Spy focused heavily on the controversy, detailing Randy Quaid's social media posts where he criticized Hathaway's casting as 'woke' and 'horrible,' and argued that Nicole Kidman should have returned. Quaid also commented on the production timeline, suggesting the rush to release the film might lead to a poor outcome. No source reported a response from Hathaway, Cruise, or Kidman to Quaid's comments.

Why it matters

The casting of Anne Hathaway in a major franchise sequel has sparked a notable public debate, highlighting tensions between traditional fan expectations and modern casting choices. The controversy also reflects broader cultural and political divides in Hollywood, with critics using terms like 'woke' to challenge casting decisions in films aimed at specific demographic audiences.

What to watch

Production for 'Days of Thunder 2' is expected to begin after Hathaway completes her current projects, including 'Verity' and 'Alone at Dawn.' The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2028. No further casting announcements have been made, and the plot remains largely undisclosed.