Summary
Cars 2is the worstCarsfilm in the series, but for all its flaws, it has the potential to set up the best spin-off that would follow a $7.8 billion franchise.Cars 2is not only the worst film of all three but also possiblythe worst Pixar movie ever made,ranking last of all 28 Pixar movies. While Mater is a heartwarming character, there is just too much going on forCars 2to captivate audiences. In general, theCarsfranchise is not Pixar’s best, butCarsandCars 3are objectively better—two films focusing solely on racing.
On the other hand,Cars 2went in two different directions entirely, withthe film trying to incorporate both espionage and racing. The results were disastrous, with the movie struggling to make back its $200 million budget domestically and internationally. TheCarsfranchise seems to do best when it revolves around its original hero, Lightning McQueen, and his racing career. However, the dabbling into espionage inCars 2definitely piqued interest and provided the potential for a future spin-off series.
Pixar Subtly Confirmed The Shared Universe Theory In One Of Its Worst Movies
The biggest theory about Pixar’s films - the idea that they all share one cinematic universe - was subtly confirmed in the studio’s worst movie.
Cars 2 Proved A James Bond-Style Spy Spinoff Could Work
The Film’s Opening Scene Teased A New Inspiration For The Franchise
Cars 2may be the worstCarsand Pixar film, butincorporating the spy storyline sets up a potential James Bond-inspired spin-off series. The opening scene looks promising with the introduction of Finn McMissile, a spy on a mission to rescue a compromised coworker. Viewers watch Finn infiltrate a top-secret hideout to find his friend and discover what villainous cars are up to.
AlthoughCars 2becomes a mess after this opening scene, it remains a compelling introduction that has become forgotten thanks to the rest of the movie’s poor reputation.
Finn’s mission is reminiscent of a James Bond film. Finn’s friend dies, but he does manage to escape. AlthoughCars 2becomes a mess after this opening scene, it remains a compelling introduction that has become forgotten thanks to the rest of the movie’s poor reputation. The fact thateven a film ofCars 2’s quality could make an espionage movie featuring cars seem intriguing(before admittedly spoiling its own premise) proves that the idea has potential in another context.
A Spy Spinoff Series Could Help Reinvent The Cars Franchise
Expanding The Cars Universe
Cars 2only gives viewers a taste of what a spin-off series could look like, but the groundwork is there. It is the perfect way to reinvent the franchise with something fresh while keeping audiences entertained with the familiar universe.
The opening scene ofCars 2sets up a whole new possibility for the franchise.Cars 3wraps upLightning McQueen’s storynicely, and the hidden world of espionage paves the way for new characters and adventures. Moving away from Lightning McQueen, his best friend Mater, and Radiator Springs potentially allows Disney Pixar to explore more car spy characters.Cars 2only gives viewers a taste of what a spin-off series could look like, but the groundwork is there. It is the perfect way to reinvent the franchise with something fresh while keeping audiences entertained with the familiar universe.
2006
Mater and the Ghostlight
2006-2017
2008-2012
2011
2013-2014
2017
2021
Dancing with the Cars
Cars on the Road
TV Show
2022
With no hints ofCars 4on the horizonandthe franchise quickly growing stale, Disney Pixar is under pressure to come up with something compelling. Whether it is a fourth film, a spin-off universe such asPlanes, or a spin-off show, it will be fascinating to see where theCarsfranchise goes next. However,Cars 3ends with Lightning McQueen retiring from racing and Cruz Ramirez takes his spot as a racer. That means a fourth film or a spin-off show rooted inCars 2’s spy movie tease would also be an excellent way to reboot the franchise.
Cars 2
Cast
Cars 2: Released in 2011, Cars 2 follows Lightning McQueen and Mater as they journey overseas for the World Grand Prix. While McQueen focuses on the race, Mater becomes entangled in international espionage, transforming their adventure into a high-stakes mission beyond the track.
