The plot to 'Cars 3' actually sounds quite promising

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:27 p.m. ET

Samuel Reiman

Having had two weeks to absorb the dramatic trailer for “Cars 3,” it’s time to actually take a deeper look into what this movie is going to be about.

As a general rule, movie sequels seldom live up to their predecessors, and Disney and Pixar are no strangers to this rule - “Cars 2” being an often-cited example.

While having cool cameos by Jeff Gordon and Lewis Hamilton in “Cars 2,” which, first off, doesn’t exactly live up to the list of Richard Petty, Michael Schumacher, Mario Andretti and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in “Cars” (debate!), the plot of the movie was regarded by many as far fetched and complicated.

However, on the surface “Cars 3” is a much simpler story which - like in “Toy Story 3” - focusses on the same protagonists as the first movie, which now have to adapt to the fact that their world is changing. Much like how the audience aged with the characters through the “Toy Story” franchise, “Cars 3” will likewise acknowledge the fact that, with “Cars” coming out back in 2006, McQueen wouldn’t be a rookie anymore.

You may have noticed in the official US teaser trailer for “Cars 3” that some of the cars sounded higher tech than the traditional NASCAR stock car. Indeed, this new generation of rookies play a critical role in the film, making Lightning McQueen - the main protagonist - realize that he is beginning to age in the sport.

“From this moment, everything will change” the movie’s tagline reads as McQueen barrel-rolls through the air.

From what we gather, this tagline is referring to the fact that this crash makes McQueen realize that he needs some additional help in order to step up his game against the new competition.

McQueen will seek help from Cruz Ramirez, a young Hispanic female technician, as well as inspiration from Doc Hudson in order to challenge his new rival - Jackson Storm - at the Florida 500.

Unlike “Cars 2,” the entirety of “Cars 3” is said to take place in the United States.

“This movie is a love letter to racing and the American way,” says director Brian Fee. “We’re inspired by the Americana you see traveling through the South where every small town has a dirt track.”

While we know that Owen Wilson (McQueen), Larry the Cable Guy (Mater), Bonnie Hunt (Sally Carrera) and Cheech Marin (Ramone) will step back in to their original roles, voice actors for Ramirez and Storm have yet to be announced.

The film is set to be released in theaters on June 16, 2017.