WATCH: Official Teaser Trailer for CARS 3

​Just in time for the theatrical debut of Disney's Moana on November 23rd, Walt Disney Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Pixar's next feature film, Cars 3! The third installment in the franchise is directed by longtime Pixar story artist Brian Fee. Cars 3, set for a June 16th, 2017 release, follows the story of Lightning McQueen at odds with being outpaced by a new, younger generation of racers. Watch the official teaser trailer for Cars 3 after the break!

Teaser Trailer for CARS 3:

It's no secret that Cars 3 is widely regarded as the least inspiring upcoming Pixar release. And while we celebrate differing opinions, ours for the longest time has been that while the story seems intriguing, the obvious cash-grab is not what Pixar fans around the world seem to be wanting. However, with the Cars franchise making more than $10 Billion worth in films and merchandising, Disney and Pixar are not letting this cash-cow die just as they aren't for their Toy Story, Finding Nemo/Dory, Monsters, or The Incredibles franchises. With the simple truth being that money talks, we shouldn't be at all surprised that Cars 3 is being made. However, whether or not the film can be a critical success given the franchise's history is the larger question. (Keep in mind Cars 2 was the first Pixar feature to NOT be nominated for Best Animated Feature at The Oscars, followed only by Monsters University)
 
However, my mind has been changed- this teaser is absolutely incredible. It does exactly what a teaser should- tease the audience of the larger story to come. McQueen's crash? Epic. Not only does it showcase a different tone, it also suggests the beginning of a different direction in storytelling for the franchise. Don't get me wrong- I was not excited by the news of a third Cars film being made. While I loved the original Cars, I do have some problems with Cars 2. With that all being said, Cars 3 seems different. It's darker, grittier, more realistic. When McQueen crashes near the end of the teaser, we're reminded of scenes from the Mad Max and Fast & Furious franchises. This new tone I think both plays to an older, aged-up Cars audience as well as the more adrenaline-inducing racing franchises that today's audiences seem to be more invested in. 
 
While this is only a teaser, combined with the previous concept art pieces and suggestions made by Pixar CCO and franchise creator John Lasseter and Director Brian Fee during an interview with USA Today this past May about the story of an old dog (McQueen) learning new tricks (via young, latina racer Cruz Ramirez), Cars 3 looks to be the Rocky Balboa to Cars' Rocky. 

Official Film Synopsis:

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, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus 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!

​Rev your engines- Cars 3 races into theaters on June 16th, 2017!