Cars is one of Pixar’s most successful franchise, but that’s largely due to the endless merchandising opportunities provided by a kid’s movie about animated vehicles. The first film had just enough heart to be endearing, but Cars 2 took a major left turn by trying to be a goofy spy film. Pixar looks to be making another tonal shift with the forthcoming Cars 3, and this one might finally align the series with the studio’s more emotionally centered tales.
Disney and Pixar have just released the first teaser for the film, and it’s already heartbreaking. The short clip sees Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) now as a veteran racer going up against much newer and faster racecars. As is always the case with auto racing, however, one wrong turn can lead to disaster. The preview leaves us with the feeling that McQueen will find himself in a very damaged state in Cars 3, and he’ll have to rely on friends like Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), Sally (Bonnie Hunt), and Ramone (Cheech Marin) to set him on the right track again.
Cars 3 is due out June 16th, 2017, and you can watch the teaser trailer above. A synopsis of the movie is below.
“Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers and physical and psychological injuries from a racing tournament, 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, 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.”
