Pixar is getting the engine running again on the Cars franchise, though not with another trip to the cinema this time. To mark the 20th anniversary of the original film, the studio is sending audiences out onto the real Route 66, the road that originally helped shape the world of Lightning McQueen and Radiator Springs.
Cars 20th anniversary marked with a new YouTube series
The news came from Jay Ward, Pixar’s creative director for the Cars franchise, speaking at an event held at the Walt Disney Family Museum. He revealed that Pixar has already filmed an entirely new YouTube series that takes viewers along Route 66 to visit the actual people and places that inspired the first film. The timing lines up neatly with another milestone too, since Route 66 itself is marking its own 100th anniversary this year.
Route 66 series still keeping most details under wraps
Ward kept the reveal fairly brief, leaving plenty still unconfirmed. Disney has not yet said how many episodes the series will run to, how long each one will be, or whether it will drop all at once or roll out gradually. What is clear so far is that the focus sits squarely on the real road that gave Cars its distinctive sense of place, rather than on new animated storytelling. The series is expected to premiere sometime in September.
Cars Lightning Racers and more anniversary treats on the way
The YouTube series won’t be the only addition to the franchise this year. Disney Jr. has already announced Cars: Lightning Racers, an animated series aimed at younger viewers that is currently planned for a 2027 premiere. Disney has also marked the anniversary at its theme parks, with a popcorn bucket shaped like Lightning McQueen that went on sale earlier this year at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World.
