Big News! Disney’s ‘Cars’ Franchise to Get a Major Revamp with New Series!
The world of animation has seen its fair share of iconic characters over the years, but few have captured hearts quite like the residents of Radiator Springs. Since Cars debuted in 2006, Disney and Pixar’s colorful cast of vehicles has found their way into fans’ lives, not just through the films but also with attractions, merchandise, and more.
As the years go by, the legacy of Cars continues to thrive, with fans eagerly awaiting new updates on the franchise’s future.
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It’s been nearly a decade since Disney’s Cars 3 (2017) hit theaters, but fans of the beloved animated franchise will be thrilled to know that their favorite characters are gearing up for a new adventure. After years of anticipation, Disney has confirmed that a fresh Cars series is on the way, set to bring beloved characters back to the screen in a whole new format.
While the Cars franchise may not have achieved the same level of popularity as other Pixar films like Toy Story (1995) or Finding Nemo (2003), it certainly holds a special place in the hearts of many. The franchise, which debuted in 2006, introduced audiences to the quirky town of Radiator Springs and its vibrant residents.
The first movie centered on Lightning McQueen, a racecar stranded in a small town after losing his way to a crucial race. The film’s charm and humor paved the way for two sequels and an ever-expanding universe of merchandise, theme park attractions, and spin-offs.
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But now, the world of Cars is ready for something new. And while the specifics of the project are still being kept under wraps, it’s clear that Disney has big plans for the franchise’s future.
According to a recent report from Variety, the new series will be titled Cars: Lightning Racers. This animated show is expected to hit both Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2027, marking a major moment in the franchise’s expansion. Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy will reprise their iconic roles as Lightning McQueen and Mater, the tow truck with a heart of gold. The two characters have become synonymous with the Cars franchise, and their return is sure to excite fans who have been longing to revisit Radiator Springs.
Besides Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy, the show’s ensemble cast will feature a familiar mix of voices, including Tony Shalhoub as Luigi, Cheech Marin as Ramone, Bob Peterson as Chick Hicks, and John Ratzenberger as Mack. These veteran actors have lent their voices to the Cars franchise from the very beginning, adding continuity and charm to the characters fans know and love.
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In addition to the familiar faces, the series will introduce new characters that are sure to leave a mark. Leah Lewis, known for her role in Elemental (2023), and Yuri Lowenthal, who voiced characters in the Marvel Rivals video game, will join the cast as Pipes and Miles, respectively. These new characters promise to add fresh energy to the Cars universe, with Pipes and Miles bringing their own unique personalities to the streets of Radiator Springs.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, best known for her role in Abbott Elementary, will also join the Cars: Lightning Racers team as a brand-new character named Ms. Blinker. Ralph’s involvement in the series is sure to raise anticipation even higher, as fans look forward to seeing how her character will fit into the world of Cars.
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Ayo Davis, the president of Disney Branded Television, shared her excitement about the new series in a statement, highlighting the importance of the show in Disney’s ongoing efforts to reach new generations of viewers.
Our shows are often a child’s very first connection to the world of Disney, sparking the songs they sing, the characters they adore, and the adventures they want to live again and again. Today’s announcements build on that leadership, expanding the worlds kids already love and introducing new multiplatform stories that will capture the hearts of the next generation.
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Disney has shared a brief description of the series, confirming that Mater will play a significant role in the new storyline: “Building on Disney and Pixar’s beloved ‘Cars’ franchise, ‘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.”
While the release date for Cars: Lightning Racers is still a few years away, Disney has promised that more updates will be coming soon. Until then, fans will have to stay tuned for the latest details on this exciting new addition to the Cars universe.
Are you excited to see Lightning McQueen and Mater return to the screen? Do you think Cars: Lightning Racers will be able to capture the magic of the original films? What is the next Pixar film you think should also get a series? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and join the conversation!
