Last month, an exclusive preview event in Emeryville, California, at Pixar’s headquarters offered a sneak peek into Cars 3. As a member of the press, I was fortunate enough to view select footage from the highly anticipated film. It’s important to note that these previews are designed to showcase specific segments, not the entire movie, and the duration can differ significantly. Having attended a similar early screening for The Good Dinosaur in New York City, where only a trio of brief scenes were presented, I was prepared for a limited glimpse.
However, this Cars 3 preview proved to be considerably more comprehensive. Pixar presented approximately 40 minutes of film footage to the assembled journalists, representing just under half of the complete movie, as they indicated. The scenes unveiled included the harrowing racetrack crash of Lightning McQueen, a pivotal moment featured in the film’s notably serious teaser trailer. We also witnessed his return to the familiar setting of Radiator Springs, seeking solace and reminiscing about cherished memories with the late Doc Hudson. Pixar masterfully incorporated archival recordings of Paul Newman, the original voice of Doc, to lend authenticity to these flashback sequences. Further footage revealed McQueen (Owen Wilson)’s determination to defy retirement and embark on a comeback journey under the guidance of a new coach, Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo). Cruz advocates for cutting-edge training methodologies to propel the veteran racer into the future, but McQueen, resistant to this approach, instead takes her on a journey to rediscover the foundational principles of racing on dirt tracks.
The previewed material, with its pronounced focus on themes of aging and the physical limitations it imposes on athletes, projected a more somber and reflective tone compared to the preceding Cars movies. Notably absent from any of the screened footage was any sign or mention of characters from Cars 2, the 2011 sequel that transported McQueen and his loyal companion Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) into a world of international espionage. Cars 2, drawing heavily from classic spy films, expanded the Cars universe in directions that were both bizarre – featuring a Popemobile, implying a form of automotive religion – and largely unpopular with audiences and critics. Adjusting for inflation, Cars 2 remains Pixar’s second-lowest-grossing feature film and holds the distinction of being the only Pixar movie to receive a negative rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Given the generally lukewarm reception to Cars 2, anticipating a significant role for characters introduced in that film, such as super-spy Finn McMissile, agent Holly Shiftwell, or Italian racer Francesco Bernoulli, seemed unlikely. However, their complete absence from the preview footage was somewhat surprising. Cars 3 almost operates as if Cars 2 never occurred within the Cars timeline. At the press event, screenwriter Mike Rich described Cars 3 as “the third act in the overall Cars story,” positioning Cars 1 as the narrative of a young McQueen and Cars 3 as the story of an older, more seasoned McQueen, pointedly omitting any reference to Cars 2. This deliberate exclusion fueled my curiosity: would Cars 3 entirely disregard the events of Cars 2, and might these characters reappear in the latter half of the film, which was not presented to the press?
During an interview with the Cars 3 writing team – Rich, Kiel Murray, and Bob Petersen, alongside story supervisor Scott Morse – I directly addressed this question. Initially, the group attempted to deflect the query with humor, simply noting the presence of McQueen and Mater in both Cars 2 and Cars 3. However, upon specifically inquiring about the spy characters, Petersen clarified, “That was Mater’s world. We’re back to Radiator Springs and that team [in Cars 3], because this is McQueen’s story.”
“Radiator Springs is where it all began for him,” Rich added, reinforcing the point. “We find him at this particular stage in his life and career.” Essentially, Finn, Holly, and their cohorts are sidelined, at least for the duration of Cars 3.
While the writers stopped short of confirming the complete absence of these characters from the final cut of the movie – a brief cameo remains a possibility – it’s evident they will not play any substantial part in Cars 3. Even Mater’s role in the portion of the film previewed was reduced; while present, his typical sidekick dynamic with McQueen is largely assumed by Cruz.
Despite its critical shortcomings, Cars 2 achieved significant commercial success, generating half a billion dollars globally and driving substantial merchandise sales for Disney, reportedly $2 billion annually a few years prior. Therefore, the prospect of Mater and his spy allies returning in a future Cars 4 or spin-off shorts is not entirely out of the question. For now, however, Cars 3 takes center stage, premiering in theaters on June 17th, focusing on a more grounded and character-driven narrative within the familiar world of Radiator Springs and its core cast of Cars Three Characters: Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the spirit of Doc Hudson, alongside new characters who resonate with the original themes.
