WATCH: Official Theatrical Trailer for CARS 3

With nearly one month and a half left until the films release on June 16th,  Disney and Pixar have officially debuted the first official theatrical trailer for Cars 3! Heavily featuring Lightning McQueen's struggle to decide whether to get back into racing after a disastrous crash (as previewed in the teaser trailer) or to retire, this new trailer emphasizes the classic Pixar mantra: story is king! Check out the official theatrical trailer for Cars 3 after the break:

Official Trailer for CARS 3:

The tone of this trailer very much emphasizes Lightning's tension between deciding whether to race or retire, a common difficulty among older sports stars that we see in the real world. Like we have previously reported, Cars 3 very much seems to attempt to adopt the tone of sports dramas, where the personal struggle of a legend is spotlighted by their attempt to revitalize their once-great career. Although Cars 3 is following in the footsteps of Cars 2 stigma, hopefully this return to form for the franchise will act as a full-circle dramatic ending for Lightning and friends. 

Cruz Ramirez and Lightning McQueen in Cars 3. Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician with her own plan to win, inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage! 

Cars 3 is directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna” short).

CARS 3 races into theaters on June 16th!