Cars 3 is set to arrive this summer; a welcome return for one of Pixar’s most popular franchises. Cars was a huge hit when it was released back in 2006, and its characters became instant classics. In fact, Cars broke Disney/Pixar’s record for merchandise, taking over $10 billion in the five years following its release. A huge part of the movie’s success and subsequent merchandise sales was down to the fact that Pixar managed to make anthropomorphic vehicles that were relatable, fun to watch, and above all (for younger fans) could be replicated in exact detail as toys.

Cars 2 did not achieve the same success as its predecessor, and is regarded as one of Pixar’s weaker movies. That said, it didn’t stop fans’ affection for Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the other Cars characters, which is possibly why they are excited to see Lightning back on the race track after an absence of six years. Images, teasers, and trailers released thus far hint at tough times ahead for Lightning McQueen as he tries to keep up with a younger, more agile field. A new teaser for Cars 3, which offers an extended look at previous trailer footage, has been released and can be viewed, above.

Cars 3 will once again see the return of Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy as the voices of Lighting McQueen and Mater, respectively, along with Armie Hammer and Cristela Alonzo as Jackson Storm and Cruz Ramirez. The movie is the directorial debut of Brian Fee, who has previous Disney/Pixar pedigree having worked as a storyboard artist on Cars, Cars 2, and Monsters University, among others.

The initial teaser for Cars 3 had many fans worried; the short snippet of McQueen totaling on the race track was dark and foreboding, but we’ve since learned that the big crash prompts everyone’s favorite race car to come back bigger and better than before. His biggest rival comes in the form of Jackson Storm, featured heavily in the new teaser. Jackson uses cutting edge technology to improve his race game, and he’s way ahead of everyone else. When McQueen gets a new trainer in the form of Cruz Ramierez, he has to find his own way of proving that he’s still the best. From the sounds of this trailer, he still has the crowd on his side.

The original Cars audience has grown up, and Cars 3 hints that the franchise has grown with them. That said, a darker, deeper, more emotive movie doesn’t necessarily mean that younger viewers won’t enjoy it, too. The outstanding animation and entertaining characters should be enough to ensure that this movie will be enjoyable for most.

Next: Cars 3: Lightning’s Sidekick & Enemy Debut in New Images

Source: Pixar

  • Cars 3 Release Date: 2017-06-16