Right now, my infant son’s favorite movie is Disney Pixar Cars. Since I’ve watched it dozens of times at this point, I wanted to find out some more about the film’s history. There is no doubt this movie has captured the hearts of audiences around the world with its charming characters and heartfelt storylines. However, there might be a few details that you didn’t know about Cars. Here are seven cool facts I recently found out.
1. The Animation Took More Than 4 Years to Complete
Pixar Studios takes their time with their movies. When it came to producing Cars, the studio took four years to bring Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the rest of the crew to life. They did a lot of research, including some trips down Route 66. The animators really wanted to capture to look and feel of classic American roads. Additionally, they wanted to make sure each car was accurate and reflected unique personality traits.
2. Lightning McQueen Is Named After a Pixar Legend
Many people assume that Lightning McQueen is named after Steve McQueen, but that’s not true. The character is actually named after a Pixar legend, Glenn McQueen. McQueen was a sound designer for Pixar who passed away in 2002. He was a beloved member of the Pixar family and had a hand in many of the studio’s first films, such as Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Naming the main character of Carss after him honored McQueen’s legacy.
3. Paul Newman’s Final Role Was Doc Hudson
Doc Hudson played a key role in the first Cars film. He became Lightning McQueen’s mentor and he was sadly missing from the second and third movies. This is because the voice actor passed away before the second film was produced. Doc was voiced by the legendary actor Paul Newman, who died in 2008. Newman was a car enthusiast and professional race car driver, which brought a level of authenticity to his character in the animated film.
4. The Town of Radiator Springs Was Inspired by Real Places
Radiator Springs is the place Lightning McQueen finds himself stranded in the first movie but later decides to call home. What many people don’t realize is that the quaint town was inspired by real towns along Route 66. Director John Lasseter took the entire team on road trips along the famed highway. There are many small towns that were seemingly left behind by the construction of interstate highways. Overall, the architecture, neon signs, and overall atmosphere of Radiator Springs were directly influenced by these once-thriving roadside communities.
5. Mater Was Inspired by a Real-Life Tow Truck
Everybody loves Mater! He’s a lovable, goofy character who is voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, but many people don’t know that he was actually inspired by a real-life tow truck and its owner. The filmmakers found a rusty old tow truck in Galena, Kansas. Dean Walker, who owned the truck, became the basis for Mater’s personality. They even brought Walker into the studio to help shape Mater’s design and voice.
6. The Sound of Lightning McQueen’s Engine Is Real
Anytime you hear Lightning McQueen’s engine in Cars, you’re hearing an actual car. Pixar used recordings of a Porsche 911 and a Corvette to create his engine sound. Overall, this shows Pixar’s commitment to authenticity. The sound design team worked closely with racing experts to ensure that McQueen’s engine noises matched his speed and personality. They really wanted to make the world of Cars as realistic as possible.
7. John Ratzenberger Appears in Every Pixar Movie
John Ratzenberger, who voices Lightning’s rig, Mack, has appeared in every Pixar film to date. His involvement in each movie has become somewhat of an Easter egg for fans. His continuous presence in Pixar movies is a beloved tradition that fans enjoy spotting.
The Legacy of Cars
The Cars franchise isn’t just a hit with kids like mine. It has become a culturally significant series that has touched people all over the world. Beyond its impressive animation, there are so many interesting behind-the-scenes details that make it a fascinating animated film.