(Image Source: Paramount Pictures)
Yesterday, Tom Cruise unexpectedly announced the production plans for a new racing-themed sequel, "Days of Thunder 2," and personally revealed in a video that Anne Hathaway would star as the female lead. This casting choice, replacing Cruise's ex-wife Nicole Kidman – who famously fell in love with him on the set of the original film – surprised fans worldwide.
However, the casting news quickly drew backlash from a Hollywood colleague. Randy Quaid, a cast member from the original "Days of Thunder," immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) to post three scathing messages regarding the casting, which can be seen below:
(Image Source: Paramount Pictures)
Like his brother Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid is an openly conservative figure and a public supporter of current U.S. President Donald J. Trump, which provides context for his strong reaction to Hathaway replacing Kidman. It remains unclear whether Randy Quaid will return for the sequel. Coincidentally, both Randy's character in the original film and Hathaway's new character are owners of Tom Cruise's racing team within the story.
"Days of Thunder 2" is slated for release on June 2, 2028. Jonathan Levine, known for directing "Warm Bodies," will take the helm, succeeding the late action maestro Tony Scott. The screenplay is being penned by Will Staples, writer of "Tom Clancy's Without Remorse."