Cars 3 will be “very emotional” and closer to the first film in tone

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

Although some point to CARS as Pixar's first misstep, the franchise has proved to be incredibly profitable which is why it's no surprise that CARS 3 is on the way. While CARS didn't quite manage to hit the heights of FINDING NEMO or TOY STORY in terms of critical acclaim, it wasn't until CARS 2 when Pixar received its first, and so far only, "rotten" certification. The sequel stepped away from being a pure racing film and dipped its toe in the world of international espionage. During the red-carpet event for FINDING DORY, Entertainment Weekly caught up with John Lasseter and managed to squeeze a few teases from CARS 3 out of him.

We’ve got some great new characters, some great racing in it, and it’s a very emotional story. It’s a little bit more akin to Cars 1, where you get into a deep emotion with him. It’s really a special story. It’s very emotional and his relationship with Doc Hudson, and his memory of Doc Hudson.

Now a veteran racer, CARS 3 will find Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) traveling and participating in races throughout the country all while making new friends and new enemies. McQueen will also have to deal with being one of the more veteran racers still active, with director Brian Fee saying “(McQueen) is not an old man, but he's one of the older cars on the circuit with new rookies coming in. People start to wonder and ask when he might retire.” Those new rookies will force McQueen in a position where his entire racing generation is being pushed out. "Everyone can relate to feeling like someone is at their heels," said Fee. "That they might be a little outdated in something they used to be very good at, feeling an expiration date. And knowing you need someone to help you get a second chance."

CARS 3 drives into theaters on June 16, 2017.