Cars 3#Possible sequel
{{Short description|2017 Pixar film}}
{{Other uses}}
{{pp-semi-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Cars 3 poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| alt = Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez and Jackson Storm race along a beach. "Cars 3" is written in the bottom right corner, between the release date "June 16" on the bottom.
| director = Brian Fee
| producer = Kevin Reher
| screenplay = {{Plainlist|
- Kiel Murray
- Bob Peterson
- Mike Rich{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Cars 3 Production Notes|url=http://www.wdsmediafile.com/media/Cars3/writen-material/Cars3593a13b598f49.pdf|publisher=Walt Disney Pictures|access-date=10 June 2017|archive-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322113050/http://www.wdsmediafile.com/media/Cars3/writen-material/Cars3593a13b598f49.pdf|url-status=dead}}
}}
| story = {{Plainlist|
- Brian Fee
- Ben Queen
- Eyal Podell
- Jonathan E. Stewart
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Owen Wilson
- Cristela Alonzo
- Chris Cooper
- Armie Hammer
- Larry the Cable Guy
- Bonnie Hunt
- Nathan Fillion
- Lea DeLaria
- Kerry Washington
}}
| music = Randy Newman{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Cross|first1=Dominick|title=Newman on Putin, people, politics, music|url=http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/02/26/newman-putin-people-politics-music/80954782/|access-date=26 November 2016|work=The Advertiser|date=26 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302192812/http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2016/02/26/newman-putin-people-politics-music/80954782/|archive-date=2 March 2016}}
| cinematography = {{Plainlist|
}}
| editing = Jason Hudak
| production_companies = Pixar Animation Studios
| distributor = Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures{{efn|name=Disney|Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through the Walt Disney Pictures banner.}}
| released = {{Film date|2017|5|23|Kannapolis|2017|6|16|United States}}
| runtime = 102 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $175 million{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Mendelson|first1=Scott|title=Pixar's 'Cars 3' Review: Lightning (McQueen) Strikes On The Third Lap|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/06/13/cars-3-review-lightning-mcqueen-strikes-on-the-third-lap/#3653e2981a1f|website=Forbes|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011133759/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2017/06/13/cars-3-review-lightning-mcqueen-strikes-on-the-third-lap/#3653e2981a1f|url-status=live}}
| gross = $383.9 million{{cite Box Office Mojo|id=3606752|title=Cars 3|access-date=February 19, 2021}}
}}
Cars 3 is a 2017 American animated sports comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It is a sequel to Cars 2 (2011) and the third film in the Cars franchise. It was directed by Brian Fee and produced by Kevin Reher, from a screenplay written by Kiel Murray, Bob Peterson, and Mike Rich, and a story by Fee, Ben Queen, and the writing team of Eyal Podell and Jonathan E. Stewart. The returning voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Guido Quaroni, Cheech Marin, Jenifer Lewis, Paul Dooley, Lloyd Sherr, Michael Wallis, Katherine Helmond and John Ratzenberger are joined by Cristela Alonzo, Chris Cooper, Armie Hammer, Nathan Fillion, Kerry Washington, and Lea DeLaria, in addition to a dozen NASCAR personalities. In the film, Lightning McQueen (Wilson), now a veteran race car, must prove that he is still competitive against a new generation of technologically advanced racers, with the help of young technician Cruz Ramirez (Alonzo), to prevent a forced retirement from the Piston Cup.
Development of a third Cars film began in late 2011 after the release of its predecessor, and entered production in 2014, with Pixar's then-CCO John Lasseter stating that it would be a "very emotional story", and go back to the first film's themes. The production team for the film conducted research on multiple NASCAR racers, particularly older ones, as well as a sports psychoanalyst, while also focusing on McQueen's relationship with Doc Hudson and its meaning. The production utilized a new rendering system, Rix Integration Subsystem (RIS), which was previously used in Finding Dory (2016). New cast members including Hammer and Alonzo were announced in January 2017, followed by Fillion, Washington and DeLaria two months later. Randy Newman, who had worked on the first film, composed the film's score with artists such as Andra Day, James Bay, Brad Paisley and Jorge Blanco contributing tracks for the film.
Cars 3 was first screened for the NASCAR industry in Kannapolis, North Carolina on May 23, 2017, before its theatrical release in the United States on June 16, accompanied by the animated short film Lou. It received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $383 million worldwide against its $175 million budget, becoming the lowest-grossing film of the franchise, but still a box office success.
Plot
Five years after competing in the World Grand Prix,{{Efn|As depicted in Cars 2 (2011)}} Lightning McQueen, now a seven-time Piston Cup champion,{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Pixar Animation Studios |url=https://www.pixar.com/feature-films/cars-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811210634/https://www.pixar.com/feature-films/cars-3 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=September 9, 2022 |df=mdy-all}} finds himself overshadowed by Jackson Storm, a rookie who is the first among a new generation of race cars with advanced technology to enhance speed and performance. As Storm wins throughout the season, many racing veterans retire or are replaced by younger racers. In the final race at Los Angeles, Lightning briefly leads but falls behind after being overtaken by Storm and the other next-gen cars. He struggles to keep up, loses control, and crashes after hitting the wall, prematurely ending his worst season on record.
Four months later, Lightning, who has since recovered from his crash, decides that he will continue racing and calls his sponsors, Rusty and Dusty, who reveal they have sold Rust-eze to a wealthy business car named Sterling. Sterling assigns Lightning to train at the Rust-eze Racing Center under Cruz Ramirez, where he struggles to adapt to the modern training methods. After Lightning accidentally damages a simulator, Sterling tries to force him to retire. Adamant that he can still race, Lightning offers that if he wins the upcoming Florida 500, he can decide if he wants to keep racing; otherwise, he will retire immediately. Sterling reluctantly accepts the deal, but on the condition that Cruz must go with him.
Cruz's unconventional training methods and lack of real-world racing experience frustrate Lightning as they attempt to record his top speed at Fireball Beach. When Lightning decides to train at the Thunder Hollow Speedway, they realize it is being used for a figure-8 style demolition derby called the "Crazy Eight" and are forced to participate, in which Cruz wins and accidentally reveals him to the public. Lightning angrily yells at Cruz after the demolition derby and accidentally breaks her trophy. Cruz reveals that she had always wanted to be a racer but was never confident enough to enter a race, so she resigns as Lightning's trainer and heads back to the racing center. Ashamed and without other options, Lightning calls his friend Mater for advice, who suggests that Lightning track down Doc Hudson's mentor and crew chief Smokey in his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia.
Hence, Lightning catches up to Cruz and convinces her to rejoin him. In Thomasville, they meet up with Smokey, who reveals that, even though Doc never raced again, he found new happiness in training Lightning.{{Efn|As depicted in Cars (2006)}} After Lightning accepts that he will never be as fast as Storm, Smokey and Doc's old friends, Louise "Barnstormer" Nash, River Scott, and Junior "Midnight" Moon, help him learn new tricks to overcome his speed disadvantage, using Cruz as his sparring partner. After many attempts, Lightning finally manages to pass Cruz during the final practice race. However, Cruz suddenly overtakes Lightning, which causes him to remember being passed by Storm before his crash, shaking his confidence.
At the Florida 500, Lightning starts at the back but moves up the ranks with Smokey's help. Sterling doubts Lightning's capability and orders Cruz back to the training center, despite her desire to stay. Hearing them on his radio and recalling Cruz's racing dream, Lightning sidesteps a huge pile-up and has his crew prep Cruz to race in his place, giving her a chance to succeed. Though initially hesitant, Cruz starts overtaking cars with Lightning's coaching. She ends up behind Storm, who threatens her by ramming her against the wall on the final lap. Using an old move from Doc Hudson, Cruz flips over Storm, overtakes him, and wins the race.
As Cruz celebrates her victory, Sterling offers her a role on his team, but she instead takes a counteroffer from Dinoco's owner Tex Dinoco. Since Lightning and Cruz were both wearing #95, Lightning becomes the joint-winner of the race and effectively passes his deal with Sterling. Returning to Radiator Springs, Lightning reveals that Tex has bought Rust-eze from Sterling. Now decked in Doc's old racing colors, Lightning decides to continue racing but trains Cruz first for the rest of the season.
Voice cast
File:Owen Wilson 2017 Daytona 500.jpg
{{see also|List of Cars characters}}
- Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen,{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/05/30/sneak-peek-exclusive-cars-3-new-character-cruz-ramirez/84981778/|title=Sneak peek: 'Cars 3' zooms ahead with new character Cruz Ramirez|date=30 May 2016|work=USA Today|last1=Alexander|first1=Bryan|access-date=23 July 2016|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612221645/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/05/30/sneak-peek-exclusive-cars-3-new-character-cruz-ramirez/84981778/|url-status=live}} the main protagonist and a legendary seven-time Piston Cup winner
- Cristela Alonzo as Cruz Ramirez, a trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center who grew up as a fan of Lightning
- Chris Cooper as Smokey, Doc Hudson's former mechanic and crew chief who helps out Lightning and Cruz
- Nathan Fillion as Sterling, a rich businesscar and the new Rust-eze team owner
- Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, a jolly tow truck and Lightning McQueen's best friend
- Armie Hammer as Jackson Storm,
name="USATCruzRamirez" /> McQueen's new racing rival
- Tom and Ray Magliozzi as Rusty and Dusty Rust-eze, respectively, the owners of Rust-eze. Due to Tom's death in 2014, Rusty's lines consist of unused archive recordings from the first film as well as audio sourced from his and Ray's radio show, Car Talk.{{Cite web |date=16 June 2017 |title=How the Cars 3 Creative Team Accelerated the Pixar Franchise |url=https://www.cbr.com/interview-cars-3-director-producer/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 March 2025 |website=ECBR}}
- Tony Shalhoub as Luigi, a Fiat 500
- Guido Quaroni as Guido, a forklift who is Luigi's partner
- Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera, a Porsche 996, and Lightning McQueen's girlfriend
- Lea DeLaria as Miss Fritter, an intimidating monster school bus at the Thunder Hollow demolition derby
- Kerry Washington as Natalie Certain,{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Anderton|first=Ethan|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/cars-3-cast/|title=Cars 3 Cast: Meet New Characters Voiced by Nathan Fillion, Kerry Washington & Lea DeLaria|date=March 9, 2017|work=/Film|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413012648/https://www.slashfilm.com/cars-3-cast/|url-status=live}} a statistical analyst
- Bob Costas as Bob Cutlass, a main commentator for the Piston Cup
- Margo Martindale as Louise "Barnstormer" Nash, a white 1950 Nash Ambassador and a retired Piston Cup racer from the 1950s who was one of the three legends to live in Thomasville with Smokey
- Isiah Whitlock Jr. as River Scott,{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/18992860/new-cars-3-characters-inspired-nascar-legends|title=New 'Cars 3' characters inspired by NASCAR legends|date=29 March 2017|work=ESPN.com|last1=McGee|first1=Ryan|access-date=29 March 2017|archive-date=May 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515230351/http://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/18992860/new-cars-3-characters-inspired-nascar-legends|url-status=live}} a grey and black 1938 Dirt Track Racer and retired Piston Cup racer who is one of Smokey's friends
- Bob Peterson as Chick Hicks, a former rival of Lightning who now hosts his own talk show called "Chick's Picks" on Racing Sports Network. He was originally voiced by Michael Keaton in the first film.
- Bob Peterson also voices Dr. Damage, a white and orange modified ambulance who partakes in the Crazy 8 demolition derby.
- John Ratzenberger as Mack,{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Milligan|first1=Mercedes|title=Disney-Pixar 'Cars 3' Key Cast and Characters Roll Out|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/disney-pixar-cars-3-key-cast-and-characters-roll-out/|access-date=11 March 2017|work=Animation Magazine|date=9 March 2017|archive-date=March 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310055158/http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/disney-pixar-cars-3-key-cast-and-characters-roll-out/|url-status=live}} a 1985 Mack Super-Liner who works for Lightning McQueen
- Lewis Hamilton as Hamilton, Cruz' personal voice command assistant.
- Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso voices the foreign language versions of Hamilton, with Vettel voicing 'Vettel' and 'Sebastian' in the Italian and German dubs respectively, and Alonso voicing 'Fernando' in the Spanish dub.{{Cite web |date=23 December 2021 |title=From Lewis Hamilton to Michael Schumacher: WATCH F1 Drivers' Secret Guest Appearance in the Cars Movie Franchise |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-from-lewis-hamilton-to-michael-schumacher-watch-f1-drivers-secret-guest-appearance-in-the-cars-movie-franchise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228164302/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-from-lewis-hamilton-to-michael-schumacher-watch-f1-drivers-secret-guest-appearance-in-the-cars-movie-franchise/ |archive-date=28 December 2022 |access-date=28 December 2022 |website=EssentiallySports}}
- Lloyd Sherr as Fillmore, a Volkswagen Type 2 microbus
- Junior Johnson as Junior "Midnight" Moon, a black 1940 Ford Standard Coupe and a retired Piston Cup racer who is one of Smokey's friends
- Cheech Marin as Ramone, a 1959 Chevrolet Impala coupé Lowrider that owns the "Ramone's House of Body Art" store
- Katherine Helmond as Lizzie, a 1923 Ford Model T Coupe who is the elderly owner of a roadside souvenir and accessory shop (Radiator Springs Curios). This was Helmond's final appearance in the Cars franchise before her death in 2019.{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/katherine-helmond-dead-whos-the-boss-star-89-877766|last=Barnes|first=Mike|title=Katherine Helmond, the Man-Crazy Mother on 'Who's the Boss?' Dies at 89|date=March 1, 2019|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 31, 2019|language=en-US|archive-date=March 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302120355/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/katherine-helmond-dead-whos-the-boss-star-89-877766|url-status=live}}
- Paul Dooley as Sarge, a 1941 Willys Jeep
- Jenifer Lewis as Flo, the owner of "Flo's V-8 Café" and Ramone's wife
- Madeleine McGraw as Maddy McGear, a young car who is Lightning McQueen's biggest fan
- Michael Wallis as Sheriff, a 1949 Mercury Eight Police Cruiser police car
- Jerome Ranft (uncredited) as Red, a 1960s closed-cab Whitney Seagrave fire engine. He was originally voiced by Joe Ranft in the first film.
- Angel Oquendo as Bobby Swift, a Piston Cup racer and one of Lightning's friends
- Diedrich Bader as Brick Yardley, a Piston Cup racer and one of Lightning's friends
- Andra Day as Sweet Tea, a forklift and Louise Nash's former pitty who is now a singer at the Cotter Pin bar
Additionally, several NASCAR drivers and other related personalities made cameo appearances, including Chase Elliott as Chase Racelott, Ryan Blaney as Ryan "Inside" Laney, Bubba Wallace as Bubba Wheelhouse, Shannon Spake as Shannon Spokes, Daniel Suárez as Danny Swervez, Ray Evernham as Ray Reverham, and Mike Joy as Mike Joyride. Richard Petty reprises his role of Strip "The King" Weathers from the first film, while his son Kyle Petty voices Cal Weathers. Humpy Wheeler, Jeff Gordon, and Darrell Waltrip all reprise their roles as Tex Dinoco, Jeff Gorvette, and Darrell Cartrip, respectively, from previous Cars media.{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Libbey|first1=Dirk|date=24 February 2017|title=Cars 3 Has A Dozen NASCAR All Stars, Here's Who They Will Be Playing|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1628729/cars-3-has-a-dozen-nascar-all-stars-heres-who-will-be-playing|access-date=24 February 2017|website=CinemaBlend|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312194136/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1628729/cars-3-has-a-dozen-nascar-all-stars-heres-who-will-be-playing|archive-date=March 12, 2017}} Paul Newman posthumously appears as Doc Hudson through the use of archived and unused audio recordings from the first film.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Desowitz |first=Bill |date=April 26, 2017 |title='Cars 3': How Pixar Channeled Paul Newman to Get Back on Track — Watch New Trailer |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/04/cars-3-pixar-paul-newman-racing-1201808989/ |access-date=April 27, 2017 |website=IndieWire |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427004333/http://www.indiewire.com/2017/04/cars-3-pixar-paul-newman-racing-1201808989/ |url-status=live }}
Production
Development on Cars 3 began in late 2011 after the release of Cars 2,{{#invoke:cite|web|date=October 27, 2017 |title=Interview: "Cars 3" Producer Kevin Reher |url=https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2017/10/27/interview-cars-3-producer-kevin-reher/ |access-date=October 29, 2017 |publisher=Laughing Place |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142948/https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2017/10/27/interview-cars-3-producer-kevin-reher/ |url-status=live }} and by March 2014, pre-production on the film was underway.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Graser|first=Marc|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/disney-plans-third-cars-the-incredibles-2-movies-1201137824/|title=Disney Plans Third 'Cars,' 'The Incredibles 2'|work=Variety|date=18 March 2014|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-date=July 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728021713/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/disney-plans-third-cars-the-incredibles-2-movies-1201137824/|url-status=live}} In October 2014, Pixar's former chief creative officer John Lasseter revealed at the Tokyo International Film Festival that the film would feature a tribute to Hayao Miyazaki's film The Castle of Cagliostro, in a form of an old Citroën 2CV.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Frater|first=Patrick|url=https://variety.com/2014/artisans/news/john-lasseter-hails-hayao-miyazaki-japan-and-the-joy-of-juxtaposition-1201338264/|title=John Lasseter Hails Hayao Miyazaki, Japan and the Joy of Juxtaposition|work=Variety|date=24 October 2014|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172054/https://variety.com/2014/artisans/news/john-lasseter-hails-hayao-miyazaki-japan-and-the-joy-of-juxtaposition-1201338264/|url-status=live}}
Prior to the film's release, John Lasseter, who had directed the previous Cars films, stated that the film would have a "very emotional story", similar in tone to the first film.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Schaefer|first=Sandy|url=https://screenrant.com/cars-3-pixar-lasseter-emotional-story/|title=Cars 3: John Lasseter Talks 'Very Emotional' Story|date=June 11, 2016|work=Screen Rant|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|access-date=November 8, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114121442/https://screenrant.com/cars-3-pixar-lasseter-emotional-story/|url-status=live}} Co-writer Kiel Murray, who also co-wrote the original Cars, said of the return to the series' roots, "With these franchises you always want to know who it's about. The first movie was about McQueen, and the second movie was a sort of off-ramp to the Mater story. We wanted to get back to the McQueen story. When we looked at what would be next for him, we wondered what that would be like both as an athlete, and also for what he was dealing with in the rest of his life."{{#invoke:cite|news|last=McKittrick|first=Christopher|title=Cars 3: The Third Act|url=https://creativescreenwriting.com/cars-3/|work=Creative Screenwriting|date=June 16, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807102836/https://creativescreenwriting.com/cars-3/|url-status=live}}
According to director Brian Fee, the production team did a lot of research, and, while they "looked at athletes in other sports", the team mainly focused on NASCAR racers. Fee said that they "even talked to a sports psychoanalyst who explained that many of these drivers can't imagine themselves doing anything else", an idea that resonated with the team. Mike Rich said that rookies taking over the sport is a "kind of endless story in sports" and compared McQueen to Wayne Gretzky and Misty May-Treanor as well as many others. Fee said that "being a parent became [his] main resource to find and understand the emotion" in the film's storyline. Scott Morse, the film's story supervisor, said that he wanted to highlight the film's emotional core and the character's relationships, wanting the film to feel like a sports film while also focusing on McQueen realizing "what their relationship meant to Doc".
On January 5, 2017, it was announced that Armie Hammer and Cristela Alonzo would voice Jackson Storm and Cruz Ramirez, respectively. Two months later, Nathan Fillion, Kerry Washington and Lea DeLaria joined the cast.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/01/05/cars-3-first-look/|title=Cars 3 first look: Meet Pixar's new millennials|last=Snetiker|first=Mark|date=5 January 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=5 January 2017}}
The production utilized a new rendering mode, Rix Integration Subsystem (RIS), which made scenes like the demolition derby race possible. The system was previously used in Finding Dory (2016).{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://vfxvoice.com/cars-3-pixar-embraces-new-renderer-with-stunning-detail/|title=CARS 3: Pixar Embraces New Renderer with Stunning Detail|last=Failes|first=Ian|date=1 April 2017|website=VFX Voice|access-date=20 March 2018|archive-date=March 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321130320/http://vfxvoice.com/cars-3-pixar-embraces-new-renderer-with-stunning-detail/|url-status=live}} In previous Pixar films, the animators had to do the animation first before the rendering, but RIS allowed animation and rendering to take place simultaneously in a process called "hardware shading", making it much easier for the animators to see what a completed scene would look like when finished.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Tong|first=Brian|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/cars-3-behind-the-scenes-of-pixars-newest-ride/|title=Behind the tech that built Pixar's 'Cars 3'|date=April 26, 2017|website=CNET|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017154242/https://www.cnet.com/news/cars-3-behind-the-scenes-of-pixars-newest-ride/|url-status=live}}
Fee said that the film's animation is "art directed realism" and stated that it causes the film's characters and sets to "feel more real and alive than ever before", while Bill Cone, the film's production designer, said that "The term [they] use is believability, which is the basis for everything [Pixar does]". Global technology supervisor Sudeep Rangaswamy said that his team used an automatic process for the film's shots, which, in his words "allows a lot of flexibility" and that "It made shots that were previously impossible to render possible". Director of photography-camera Jeremy Lasky and editor Jason Hudak researched NASCAR footage for the film's race scenes.
Music
{{main article|Cars 3 (soundtrack)}}
Fee said that both the score and the soundtrack "really help support the story we are telling". Both the soundtrack and the score were released on June 16, 2017.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/disneypixars-cars-3-fuels-two-soundtrackscars-3-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-with-original-song-by-dan-auerbach-instrumental-tracks-by-brad-paisley-and-end-credit-track-by-zz-ward-and-cars-3-original-score-composed-an-300460139.html|title=Disney•Pixar's "Cars 3" Fuels Two Soundtracks--Cars 3 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with Original Song by Dan Auerbach, Instrumental Tracks by Brad Paisley and End Credit Track by ZZ Ward; and Cars 3 Original Score Composed and Conducted by Randy Newman|last=Records|first=Walt Disney|website=PR Newswire|language=en|access-date=19 May 2017}}
The soundtrack features "Run That Race", an original song written and performed by Dan Auerbach, who stated the song is "about never giving up and always trying your best". Auerbach said that the filmmakers showed him the story and some dialogue, from which he pieced together a story for the song. The soundtrack also features "Ride", an original song performed by ZZ Ward featuring Gary Clark Jr., which was released as a single on April 14, 2017.
The film's score was composed by Pixar's frequent collaborator, Randy Newman, who previously composed the first film's score. Tom MacDougall, Disney's executive vice-president of music, said that Newman has "a real connection to the Cars world" and that "His ability to capture the feelings on this film, its characters, locations, and the Americana theme throughout is extraordinary-the music is so naturally fluid and inspired. It really feels like Randy is coming home with this score." Newman quoted tracks from the first film in moments where Fee "wanted to evoke an earlier time".
Release
=Theatrical=
Cars 3 was released in theaters on Friday, June 16, 2017, in the United States, in 3D,{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Disney Announces Release Dates for 'Incredibles 2,' 'Cars 3'|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/disney-announces-release-dates-for-incredibles-2-cars-3-1201613523/|work=Variety|date=8 October 2015|access-date=20 March 2016|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124100850/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/disney-announces-release-dates-for-incredibles-2-cars-3-1201613523/|url-status=live}} Dolby Cinema and selected IMAX theaters,{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Cars 3|url=https://www.imax.com/movies/cars-3|website=IMAX|date=May 18, 2017|publisher=IMAX Corporation|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=August 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814175420/https://www.imax.com/movies/cars-3|url-status=live}} accompanied by the Pixar short film Lou.{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Truitt|first1=Brian|title=Sneak peek: Pixar's new 'Lou' short tackles playground bullying|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2017/02/01/sneak-peek-lou-pixar-short/97310424/|access-date=February 2, 2017|work=USA Today|date=February 1, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107164735/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2017/02/01/sneak-peek-lou-pixar-short/97310424/|url-status=live}} The film had a special screening for the NASCAR industry in Kannapolis, North Carolina on May 23, 2017.{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Albert|first1=Zack|title=Hollywood treatment for NASCAR's young stars in 'Cars 3'|url=http://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/06/09/nascar-young-drivers-starring-roles-cars-3/|publisher=NASCAR|access-date=June 11, 2017|date=June 9, 2017|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613124727/http://www.nascar.com/news-media/2017/06/09/nascar-young-drivers-starring-roles-cars-3/|url-status=live}} The world premiere was held in Anaheim, California on June 10, 2017.{{#invoke:cite|news|title='Cars 3' Premiere: See the Stars and Their Kids on the Red Carpet |url=https://www.wonderwall.com/awards-events/red-carpet/cars-3-premiere-see-stars-and-their-kids-red-carpet-3007289.gallery |access-date=7 March 2023 |work=Wonderwall.com |date=June 11, 2017 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307044942/https://www.wonderwall.com/awards-events/red-carpet/cars-3-premiere-see-stars-and-their-kids-red-carpet-3007289.gallery |url-status=live }}
=Video game=
{{main|Cars 3: Driven to Win{{!}}Cars 3: Driven to Win}}
A tie-in video game was announced to accompany the film's release. It was developed by Avalanche Software, which was shut down by Disney in 2016, but was acquired and revived by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It was released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One on June 13, 2017, in North America,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Macy|first=Seth|title=Cars 3: Driven to Win Release Date Revealed|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/05/cars-3-driven-to-win-release-date-revealed|date=April 5, 2017|website=IGN|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425051837/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/05/cars-3-driven-to-win-release-date-revealed|url-status=live}} in Europe and Australia on July 14, 2017,{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Seedhouse|first=Alex|title=Cars 3: Driven To Win On Nintendo Switch Is An Argos Exclusive In The UK|url=http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2017/04/cars-3-driven-to-win-on-nintendo-switch-is-an-argos-exclusive-in-the-uk/|website=Nintendo Insider|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415010245/http://www.nintendo-insider.com/2017/04/cars-3-driven-to-win-on-nintendo-switch-is-an-argos-exclusive-in-the-uk/|url-status=live}} and in Japan on July 20, 2017.{{#invoke:cite|web|title=カーズ3 勝利への道【公式サイト】 |url=https://warnerbros.co.jp/game/cars3/ |access-date=January 14, 2018 |website=Warner Bros. Japan |language=ja |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113233956/https://warnerbros.co.jp/game/cars3/ |url-status=live }} As Disney no longer develops and publishes video games after the release of Disney Infinity 3.0, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment published the tie-in game.{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title='Cars 3' Console Video Game in Works From Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/games/cars-3-video-game-disney-pixar-warner-bros-1201969429/|work=Variety|date=25 January 2017|access-date=10 February 2017|archive-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112642/https://variety.com/2017/digital/games/cars-3-video-game-disney-pixar-warner-bros-1201969429/|url-status=live}}
=Home media=
Cars 3 was released on Digital HD on October 24, 2017, and was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 7, 2017, by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Physical copies contain an audio commentary, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and the short films Miss Fritter's Racing Skoool and Lou.{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.pixarpost.com/2017/09/cars-3-4k.html|title='Cars 3' Marks Pixar's First 4K Ultra HD Release - on Digital (Oct. 24) & Physical (Nov. 7)|work=Pixar Post|date=September 5, 2017|access-date=August 15, 2019|archive-date=August 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815080316/https://www.pixarpost.com/2017/09/cars-3-4k.html|url-status=live}}
=Short film=
The BBC, Disney and Lego released a short film via YouTube, on April 13, 2018, that is inspired by both the Cars franchise as well as the popular TV series Top Gear. The film tells the story of Lightning McQueen's trip to the Top Gear track, where he achieves his dream of racing against the Stig.{{#invoke:cite|web|last= |date=13 April 2018 |title=Mater, Cruz Ramirez, Lightning McQueen and The Stig Race Europe in New LEGO Juniors Top Gear video! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZK5LLn8CbA |website=LEGO |via=YouTube |access-date=April 18, 2018 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417004747/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZK5LLn8CbA&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}{{#invoke:cite|web| url= https://www.topgear.com/car-news/movies/top-gear-tv-cars-3-lego-video | title= Watch: Lightning McQueen vs The Stig... in Lego! | website= Top Gear | date= April 13, 2018 | access-date= 13 April 2018 | archive-date= January 21, 2021 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210121040113/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/movies/top-gear-tv-cars-3-lego-video | url-status= live }}
Reception
=Box office=
Cars 3 grossed $152.9 million in the United States and Canada and $231 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $383.9 million, against a production budget of $175 million.
In North America, Cars 3 was released alongside Rough Night, 47 Meters Down and All Eyez on Me, and was projected to gross $55–60 million from 4,256 theaters in its opening weekend.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Faughnder|first=Ryan|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-movie-projector-cars-3-htmlstory.html|title=Pixar's 'Cars 3' should unseat 'Wonder Woman' at the box office|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525035005/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-movie-projector-cars-3-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}{{#invoke:cite|news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/cars-3-rough-night-all-eyez-on-me-box-office-weekend-preview-1202113139/|title='Cars 3' To Zoom Past 'Wonder Woman' For Top Box Office Spot – Preview|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 14, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=December 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231031851/https://deadline.com/2017/06/cars-3-rough-night-all-eyez-on-me-box-office-weekend-preview-1202113139/|url-status=live}} It made $2.8 million from Thursday night previews and $19.5 million on its first day. It went on to open to $53.7 million, finishing first at the box office and dethroning two-time first-place finisher Wonder Woman. Cars 3 had the lowest opening of the series, but nevertheless was the 16th Pixar film to debut at number one.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/cars-3-all-eyez-on-me-tupac-shakur-rough-night-scarlett-johansson-mandy-moore-47-meters-below-1202114764/|title='Cars 3' $53M+ Is 3rd Best Debut For Pixar Series; 'Wonder Woman' Still Wows With $40M+; 'All Eyez On Me' Solid|date=June 18, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=April 30, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422031645/https://deadline.com/2017/06/cars-3-all-eyez-on-me-tupac-shakur-rough-night-scarlett-johansson-mandy-moore-47-meters-below-1202114764/ |archive-date=April 22, 2022}} In its second weekend, the film grossed $24.1 million, dropping to third place, behind Transformers: The Last Knight and Wonder Woman.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/transformers-the-last-knight-opening-weekend-box-office-1202118976/|title=Why 'Transformers' Is Screaming For Reboot After $69M Start; 'Wonder Woman' & 'Cars 3' Fight Over 2nd Place|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 26, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626185700/http://deadline.com/2017/06/transformers-the-last-knight-opening-weekend-box-office-1202118976/|url-status=live}} In its third weekend the film made $9.7 million ($14.1 million over the five-day 4 July holiday weekend), dropping to fifth.{{#invoke:cite|news|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/despicable-me-3-baby-driver-the-house-july-4th-weekend-box-office-independence-day-1202122599/|title='Baby Driver' Speeds to $27M+; Ferrell & Poehler's 'House' Burns Down as 'Despicable Me 3' Dominates|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 5, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=June 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630173918/http://deadline.com/2017/06/despicable-me-3-baby-driver-the-house-july-4th-weekend-box-office-independence-day-1202122599/|url-status=live}}
=Critical response=
{{RT prose|69|6.10|232|Cars 3 has an unexpectedly poignant story to go with its dazzling animation, suggesting Pixar's most middle-of-the-road franchise may have a surprising amount of tread left.|ref=yes|access-date=May 21, 2025}} {{Metacritic film prose |score=59|count=41}}{{cite Metacritic|id=cars-3|type=movie|title=Cars 3|access-date=February 19, 2021}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale.
The film was praised for its animation, story, and emotional depth, and it was considered an improvement over its predecessor by many critics.{{Cite magazine|last=Serrao|first=Nivea|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/06/12/cars-3-reviews-pixar/|title='Cars 3': Here's What Critics Are Saying About Pixar's Latest Film|date=June 12, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Meredith Corporation|access-date=November 8, 2021}} Owen Gleiberman of Variety wrote, "Cars 3 is a friendly, rollicking movie made with warmth and dash, and to the extent that it taps our primal affection for this series, it more than gets the job done. Yet in many ways it's the tasteful version of a straight-to-DVD (or streaming) sequel."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Gleiberman|first=Owen|author-link=Owen Gleiberman|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/cars-3-review-owen-wilson-1202462054/|title=Film Review: 'Cars 3'|newspaper=Variety|date=June 12, 2017|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624160636/http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/cars-3-review-owen-wilson-1202462054/|url-status=live}} David Fear of Rolling Stone gave the film a positive review, saying: "There's an emotional resonance to this story about growing old, chasing glory days and the joy of passing the baton that leaves the other two films choking on its digitally rendered dust. The end goal this time out isn't just to sell a few more toys and Lightning McQueen lunchboxes. It's actually tapping into something deeper than a corporate bottom line."{{cite magazine |last=Fear |first=David |date=June 14, 2017 |title='Cars 3' Review: Series Finally Delivers a Movie Deserving of Pixar Name |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/cars-3-finally-a-cars-movie-worthy-of-the-pixar-name-w487690 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615103040/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/cars-3-finally-a-cars-movie-worthy-of-the-pixar-name-w487690 |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |access-date=June 25, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Mike Ryan of Uproxx called the film "the Rocky III of the Cars franchise", and wrote "There's a hint of sadness that seems to be present throughout Cars 3 that gives it a little more weight than the previous installments."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Ryan|first=Mike|url=http://www.uproxx.com/movies/cars-3-review/|title='Cars 3' Is The 'Rocky III' Of The 'Cars' Franchise|publisher=Uproxx|date=June 12, 2017|access-date=July 2, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628155327/http://uproxx.com/movies/cars-3-review/|url-status=live}}
Alonso Duralde of TheWrap gave the film a mixed review, saying: "As a spawner of merchandise, Cars 3 fires on all pistons but, as a movie, it's a harmless but never stimulating 109 minutes."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Duralde|first=Alonso|url=https://www.thewrap.com/cars-3-review-owen-wilson-cristela-alonzo-pixar/|title='Cars 3' Review: Lightning McQueen Has Mid-Life Crisis as Series Spins Its Wheels|newspaper=TheWrap|date=June 12, 2017|access-date=July 2, 2017|archive-date=June 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626160133/https://www.thewrap.com/cars-3-review-owen-wilson-cristela-alonzo-pixar/|url-status=live}} Vicky Roach of News.com.au gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying: "Returning to the iconic, backroads nostalgia of the original film, Cars 3 puts the flashy, unpopular middle film squarely in its rear vision mirror. The route that the filmmakers take might be familiar, but after gunning it, they take the corners like pros."{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Roach |first=Vicky |date=June 24, 2017 |title=Cars 3 does a victory lap |work=News.com.au |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/new-movies/lightning-queen-has-a-lot-of-miles-on-the-clock-but-dont-rule-the-old-pro-out-of-the-race-just-yet/news-story/ffbc5d3207637a891d0bd1266b88aa78 |access-date=November 8, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629214948/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/new-movies/lightning-queen-has-a-lot-of-miles-on-the-clock-but-dont-rule-the-old-pro-out-of-the-race-just-yet/news-story/ffbc5d3207637a891d0bd1266b88aa78 |url-status=live }}
=Accolades=
Possible sequel
Regarding a possible Cars 4, Cars 3 producers Kevin Reher and Andrea Warren stated speaking to CinemaBlend that "If there's a good story to tell, I mean, our heads kinda break after having gotten this one done, like "Oh my god," what could you do the further adventures of? But like any sequel, from Toy Story 4 to Incredibles 2, as long as there's a good story to tell it's worth investing, we do love these characters, we love them as much as the public does."{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Libbey|first=Dirk|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1651339/will-pixar-ever-do-cars-4|title=Will Pixar Ever Do Cars 4?|date=April 27, 2017|website=CinemaBlend|publisher=Future plc|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428004338/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1651339/will-pixar-ever-do-cars-4|url-status=live}} Regarding which character would be the main protagonist in the film, Reher and Warren stated that "if Cruz is a breakout character, kind of like Mater was, she would be involved in a 4".{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.bustle.com/p/is-cars-3-the-last-cars-movie-the-franchise-could-keep-riding-for-years-63887|title=Don't Expect 'Cars 3' To End The Franchise|first=Johnny|last=Brayson|date=June 12, 2017|website=Bustle|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=March 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307233940/https://www.bustle.com/p/is-cars-3-the-last-cars-movie-the-franchise-could-keep-riding-for-years-63887|url-status=live}} Owen Wilson stated at a Cars 3 press event that possible stories have been discussed for a Cars 4, though he would personally like for a fourth Cars film to delve into aspects of the thriller genre, akin to Cars 2.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Schwerdtfeger|first=Conner|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1671059/what-cars-4-should-be-about-according-to-owen-wilson|title=What Cars 4 Should Be About, According to Owen Wilson|date=June 16, 2017|website=CinemaBlend|publisher=Future plc|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308032310/https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1671059/what-cars-4-should-be-about-according-to-owen-wilson|url-status=live}} In an interview with Screen Rant, Lea DeLaria expressed interest in reprising her role as Miss Fritter while promoting the release of the short film, Miss Fritter's Racing Skoool with the Cars 3 DVD and Blu-ray release.{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Deckelmeier|first=Joe|url=https://screenrant.com/cars-3-interview-lea-delaria/|title=Cars 3 Star Hopes Sequel Focuses on Miss Fritters|date=November 6, 2017|website=Screen Rant|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308141359/https://screenrant.com/cars-3-interview-lea-delaria/|url-status=live}}
In December 2023, during an interview at the 2023 Porsche Rennsport Reunion Event, the creative director of the saga, Jay Ward, revealed that Pixar is developing new projects related to the franchise: "There are more Cars things brewing, I can't say much more yet. Cars has got a life that will keep going. I am working on some real fun projects right now that you will see in a couple of years. It takes us a while to make them."{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/pixar-cars-4-new-projects/|title=Pixar Reportedly Developing New Cars Projects|website=[MovieWeb] |date=December 29, 2023|access-date=December 29, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2023/12/27/tps8em66b55ueftrt7iygxvm3fhavd|title='Cars 4' is Happening at Pixar |website=[World of Reel] |date=December 27, 2023|access-date=December 27, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/pixar-teases-cars-4-spinoffs/|title=Cars 4 Gets Exciting Update From Pixar |website=[CBR] |date=December 28, 2023|access-date=December 28, 2023}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
External links
{{commons category|Cars 3}}
{{wikiquote}}
- {{Official website|http://movies.disney.com/cars-3}}
- {{IMDb title|3606752}}
{{Cars}}
{{Disney theatrical animated features}}
{{Pixar}}
{{#invoke:Portal bar|main|Disney|Cartoon|Animation}}
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