Cars on the Road is an upcoming Disney+ series that sees Lightning McQueen and Mater road trip across the country to meet up with Mater’s sister. Each episode follows the iconic duo as they get into more and more wacky situations.
Pixar recently hosted a virtual press conference for the series, and The Illuminerdi had the opportunity to attend. Pixar’s Chris Wiggum hosted the press event, which included Mater actor Larry the Cable Guy, producer Marc Sondheimer, and directors Steve Purcell, Brian Fee, and Bobby Podesta. During the conference, Larry the Cable Guy revealed what it was like returning to this iconic role after five years.
LARRY THE CABLE GUY HAD AN UNBELIEVABLE TIME RECORDING CARS ON THE ROAD
Larry the Cable Guy’s last adventure as the loveable tow truck was 2017’s Cars 3. The film was a return to form for the franchise after the less-than-perfect sequel. The film served as a possible finale for the franchise, so some would think that the cast would be hesitant to return for a Disney+ series. However, Larry revealed that the cast was more than ready to come back for the show.
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When asked what it was like coming back after five years to a character as universally loved as Mater, Larry said:
You know what, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, and just coming back and doing the voice has just been fantastic. I mean, when you go out and parents go to their kids, “Hey, you know who that is? That’s Mater like to-mater.” Just the smiles on their face. I mean, it really is just one of the greatest franchises.
And just making people so happy, and honestly, I am so blessed and excited and happy just to be a part of it. It’s really awesome. So, doing this series is unbelievable. And it’s hilarious.
For the extent of the press conference, Larry had a small toy of Mater sitting on his right shoulder. The comedian joked that he loved the character so much that he had the toy surgically attached to his shoulder.
Rest assured, Larry fully understands what the Cars franchise means to the people who grew up with the original movies and the upcoming generation now growing up with Cars on the Road. It means just as much to him as it does to the fans.
It’s just, you know, man, people, kids love it. You don’t want these other kids coming up and missing out on anything ’cause you know when you’re four, five, six, seven, eight years old, all those kids, now they’re 16, and they’re looking for new stuff, and now the kids coming up, this new generation, they got another brand new thing.
I mean, just the cycle over and over again, to be a part of that is awesome. And there’s not much more to say. I’m just blessed to be able to do it.
One question during the press conference was whether Disney and Pixar had any plans for future Cars series on Disney+. Director Bobby Podesta confirmed that there were currently no plans for another Cars series after Cars on the Road premieres, but technically never mentioned anything about a movie.
Either way, it’s clear that Larry the Cable Guy would love to sign on immediately.
Cars on the Road will be available to stream in its entirety on Disney+ on September 8. Are you excited about Cars on the Road? Did you grow up with the movies? What do you think about Larry the Cable Guy’s feelings on playing Mater? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, and check back with The Illuminerdi for more Disney/Pixar content.
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