More details revealed about “Cars 3”



In recent days, more details have emerged about the Disney-Pixar animated film, “Cars 3,” slated for a mid-June release in theaters.

The big reveal was an extended trailer for the film, released by Disney:

Scenes indicate “Cars 3” at least briefly returning to the desert Southwest and the Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. The town played a pivotal role in the original “Cars” and inspired a new generation of travelers to see the real-life places and people who inspired the filmmakers.

The “Cars” franchise not only has proved financially fruitful with $1 billion in box-office receipts, but it’s generated a reported $10 billion in merchandising sales in the past decade. The latter figure is by far the largest in Pixar’s film portfolio.



The studio also recently released this plot summary:

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

It’s interesting the Hudson Hornet is mentioned, considering that character was voiced by Paul Newman, who died in 2008. Will Pixar use leftover voice audio from the original “Cars” for that scene? Will it use a Rich Little-type impersonator as doppelganger for Newman? Or is it the type of scene that needs Newman’s voice?

John Lasseter, director of the original “Cars,” said at the Detroit Auto Show last week that Pixar made some redesigns of the racing cars — including Lightning McQueen — for the upcoming film. In essence, “Cars 3” signals a recent to the franchise’s racing roots.

(Images from “Cars 3” courtesy of Disney-Pixar)

2 thoughts on “More details revealed about “Cars 3”

  1. Has Pixar donated to historic preservation projects along Route 66? Has the company been approached about contributing to important restoration work along the highway?

    Clearly the Cars franchise has done wonders to attract new Route 66 enthusiasts.

    It would be wonderful if Pixar could help with efforts to preserve this American legacy, especially since it has been so profitable for them.

    1. That’s a good question, and I’m not aware they have.

      But, at the same time, Pixar’s people have been generous in acknowledging the people with memorabilia, citations, etc., who’ve helped them with “Cars.” The company also has not been protective against Route 66 businesses acknowledging the “Cars” link — unlike Disney, which had lawyers even going after preschools for painting Mickey Mouse on their walls.

      The “Cars” franchise only recently turned 10 years old. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lasseter or other key members of the Pixar crew look at some sort of program or foundation if approached, once the smoke has cleared from the “Cars 3” release.

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