Cars 2 is set to be released on June 24, 2011 in the U.S. and Canada.
This is only the second Pixar property to get a sequel (closely followed by Monsters, Inc. 2 in November 2012).
Back in June, it was rumored that John Lasseter was coming onto the project to be co-director alongside Brad Lewis. This has been officially confirmed by Disney/Pixar. Lasseter is listed as director and Lewis is listed as co-director.
Synopsis: Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.
Cars 2 is leaving the town of Radiator Springs and taking us on a trip around the world. The first film was mostly confined to the small town, making the high-stakes Race of Champions a logical progression of the story.
There have been several deaths since the production of the original Cars. The Pixar family lost the great Joe Ranft in 2005 before the first film was completed. Ranft, known for his great voice-work, his amazing storyboarding, and his utter generosity, was the voice of the Red and Perbilt characters. Cars was dedicated in his memory. In 2008, actors George Carlin (voice of Fillmore) and Paul Newman (voice of Doc Hudson) also passed away. Doc Hudson’s character will not be recast. Rather, there is likely to be a short tribute to him. As Fillmore has appeared in promotional material, his part has likely been recast.
This will be the second Pixar film to be released in the IMAX 3D format, as well as the third to be released in 3D.
Earlier this year, Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3 confirmed that there will be a Toy Story short attached to Cars 2. It is set to center on Ken and Barbie trying to go to Hawaii.
Updates will be posted below as we learn more details.
