“Cars,” the Disney-Pixar animated film that ignited a surge of new interest in Route 66 in 2006, will be re-released to theaters starting Sept. 4.
In addition, Pixar shot a new series for YouTube where it will visit the people and places on Route 66 that inspired the original film, according to the Laughing Place blog that covers all things Disney.
Here’s the trailer for the “Cars” re-release, along with teaser footage from the YouTube series.
And here’s a short video about Pixar’s Bobby Podesta, who was the first animator to work on “Cars.”
Upon the original “Cars” movie release, Route 66 News published a guide to the real-life people and places on Route 66 that inspired the film.
In related news, Variety reports that the “Cars” original surviving cast — including the Sheriff of Radiator Springs, Michael Wallis — will revive those characters’ voices when Disney+ broadcasts a new series, “Cars: Lightning Racers,” in 2027.
The synopsis: “‘Cars: Lightning Racers’ follows Lightning McQueen as he gears up for all-new adventures in Radiator Springs alongside his hilarious best friend Mater and new friends thrill-seeking drag car Pipes and mud-loving monster truck Miles.”