Is Doc Hudson Advising Lightning McQueen in New ‘Cars 3’ Trailer?

Kim Taylor-Foster
Movies Disney
Movies Disney

A brand new trailer for Cars 3 has been released by Disney. And it seems to feature the voice of Doc Hudson, the retired race car from the first film that was voiced by the late Paul Newman.

As the trailer kicks into gear, we’re told that the next generation is coming – race cars with onboard computers able to assess race conditions and adjust their tactics accordingly.

But though Lightning McQueen tries, he can’t stick the pace and crashes out. Forced to reassess, he changes his strategy when he’s told: “You’ll never be the racer you once were; you can’t turn back the clock, kid but you can wind it up again.”

He’s also told to “get ready for what’s coming – more speed, more horsepower, more of everything”. The voice here could potentially belong to Doc Hudson – who features in the film in a touching tribute to the late Paul Newman.

Cars 3

The trailer continues in the same tone set by previously released footage – the film looks set to be darker than its predecessors. This time around, there’s a focus on themes around what it takes to win, and falling behind in a changing world.

In a nutshell, it seems pits old-fashioned determination over technology.

Return To Form

It’s looking like a return to form for the Cars franchise, which lost its way with the over-complicated plot of the second instalment. With a tighter focus and a grittier feel, the Disney-Pixar creation clearly still has some fuel in its tank – and a legion of fans revving up to see the latest Lightning McQueen adventure.

Here’s the official synopsis from Disney:

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 (voice of Cristela Alonzo), 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!

Kim Taylor-Foster
Kim Taylor-Foster is Entertainment Editor for Fandom in the UK. She was raised on an unsteady diet of video nasties and violent action flicks.