Since its debut in 2006, Disney’s Cars franchise has taken fans on a thrilling ride through the small town of Radiator Springs, where talking vehicles and racing dreams come to life. From its heartwarming characters to the high-speed action, Cars has been a beloved staple in the world of animated films.
While fans have followed Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the gang through various movie installments and theme park experiences, the question remains: What’s next for the Cars universe?
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It looks like the answer is just around the corner, as Disney has exciting plans for the future of the franchise. Although many Cars fans have wondered about the direction the franchise will take next, Disney has now confirmed that the series will continue to expand in a brand-new way.
According to Variety, a new Cars series is in development, titled Cars: Lightning Racers. This animated series is set to air on both Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2027. While the news is sure to spark excitement among fans, the upcoming show promises to offer more than just the familiar faces and racing antics that made the films so popular.
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Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy are both set to reprise their roles as Lightning McQueen and Mater, respectively. Their return will surely delight fans who have grown to love these characters over the years. Lightning McQueen, the charming racecar, and Mater, his lovable tow-truck best friend, have been central figures in the Cars franchise, and their return to the screen will undoubtedly be met with excitement.
In addition to the return of McQueen and Mater, the cast of Cars: Lightning Racers will feature several other familiar voices. Tony Shalhoub, who voices Luigi, and Cheech Marin, who voices Ramone, are both returning to their iconic roles. Bob Peterson, the voice behind Chick Hicks, and John Ratzenberger, who brings Mack to life, will also be part of the show, providing continuity for fans who have followed the franchise since its inception.
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While fans will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters once again, Cars: Lightning Racers will introduce new faces to the franchise. Leah Lewis, known for her role in Elemental (2023), and Yuri Lowenthal, who voiced characters in the Marvel Rivals video game, will voice the characters Pipes and Miles. These new characters are set to bring fresh dynamics and excitement to the Cars universe, with Pipes being a thrill-seeking drag car and Miles a mud-loving monster truck.
The series will also feature a new character voiced by Sheryl Lee Ralph, star of Abbott Elementary. Ralph will play Ms. Blinker, adding yet another layer of talent to the already impressive cast. Fans of Ralph’s work are sure to be curious to see how she fits into the Cars world and what role her character will play in the adventures to come.
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Ayo Davis, the president of Disney Branded Television, expressed her excitement about the new series and its potential to capture the imaginations of the next generation of Disney and Pixar fans.
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.
Disney has also released a brief description of the series, which reads: “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.”
As fans eagerly await the premiere of Cars: Lightning Racers, it’s clear that Disney is committed to continuing the legacy of Cars and keeping the magic of Radiator Springs alive for years to come. While the series won’t hit screens until 2027, Disney has promised to release more details as the launch date approaches.
Are you excited about the upcoming Cars series? What do you think about the new characters and their potential impact on the franchise? What other Pixar movies do you think deserve their own series? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear your opinions on the new Cars adventures!
