During an interview in London, Disney-Pixar animation chief John Lasseter revealed a few more plot details about “Cars 2,” the sequel to the original “Cars” movie that took place on Route 66, to Empire Online.
The story sees Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), his pit team and new pit boss Mater head around the world for the Race of Champions, to take place in five different countries and involve the champions of different disciplines like Formula One and rally driving. First up is a race in Tokyo, starting at Mount Fuji and heading downtown; then there’s a German race through the Black Forest; then “Porto Corsa” in Italy, which is based partly on the Monte Carlo Grand Prix; then a 24-hour race around Paris (so somewhat like Le Mans then) and finally a thrilling climax in London, approaching Buckingham Palace (where the guards appear to be Land Rovers).
But all this racing is not the only focus. Mater, who we know from the series of cartoon shorts Mater’s Tall Tales … is prone to exaggeration, gets involved in a “Hitchcockian” case of mistaken identity, saves the life of a British secret agent called Finn McMissile (who looks a heck of a lot like an Aston Martin) and becomes embroiled in a huge spy thriller. Only no-one believes him. That too comes to a head at Buckingham Palace.
Along the way there are towtruck-abroad pictures to be taken at the Oktoberfest in Germany (where Mater wears “Materhosen”) and harassing the aforementioned Palace Guards.
A few points and observations:
— Obviously, the bulk of the new movie isn’t going to take place on Route 66 this time. However, I feel reasonably certain that the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs will be around in some way. I know a few people might be disappointed in “Cars 2” spending dramatically less time on the Mother Road. However, if absolutely nothing else, “Cars 2” will reignite interest in the original “Cars” movie and spark a new wave of intrigue about Route 66.
— This is the first reference I’ve seen that says Owen Wilson will be back to voice Lightning McQueen. For a while, it had been rumored that he would take a pass at a “Cars” sequel. With the deaths in 2008 of Paul Newman as Doc Hudson and George Carlin as Fillmore, the “Cars” franchise didn’t need another departure.
— The notion of Mater being in the midst of a spy caper sounds hilarious. Larry the Cable Guy’s character was easily the funniest in the original “Cars” movie, and focusing more on him seems to be a wise move. With Mater in Europe, the words “international incident” seem inevitable.
— The director for “Cars 2” will be Brad Lewis, who guided the praised “Ratatouille” for Pixar. Release date for “Cars 2” is set for June 24, 2011.
(Hat tip: Upcoming Pixar)
Too bad it won’t be on Route 66. I’d hoped the sequel would either be on 66, or perhaps the Lincoln Highway.
But, in any case, the plot sounds interesting. Especially, the spy thriller angle.
Hate it also. This is one of my all time favorite films and somehow, although I love the characters, it won’t be the same. I too would love to have seen it take place in the USA. Although we have lots of visitors from other countries traveling The Mother Road, I just can’t see these characters in a foreign land. Hopefully, as stated, it will bring back interest in Route 66 as the original CARS movie did. Will have to wait and see.