Since Cars 3 released in 2017, fans have been asking the same question: Will there be a Cars 4? Rumors pop up every few months, and some fan-made “leaks” add fuel to the fire. But what’s up with Cars 4 release, and what’s wishful thinking?
Let’s clear things up with what we know, what’s been hinted at, and what’s likely down the road for Lightning McQueen and the gang.
So, Is Cars 4 Confirmed?
As of now, Disney and Pixar have not officially confirmed a Cars 4 movie. There’s no release date, teaser trailer, or production update from verified Disney or Pixar channels.
That said, Cars as a franchise isn’t dead. It’s still making money, getting new content, and is very much on Pixar’s radar.
Rumors About Cars 4
Several sources (including Disney blogs, fan wikis, and social chatter) have been circulating what looks like a full voice cast list, plot summaries, and even a soundtrack for Cars 4. One of the biggest sources, Disney Fanon, published what reads like a full pitch with names like Dwayne Johnson, Tara Strong, and even BLACKPINK’s Lisa supposedly joining the cast.
Here’s the thing: none of that is verified!
This is what’s commonly referred to as fanon (fan + canon), where fans create their own version of a story. These often go viral but have no connection to the studio’s actual plans.
You Might Also Be Interested In: What Car is Lightning McQueen?
What Has Pixar Actually Said?
Pixar hasn’t confirmed Cars 4, but here are some clues:
- Back in 2017, Cars 3 director Brian Fee said Lightning McQueen’s story was far from over, suggesting the character could return.
- In 2023, Jay Ward, creative director for the Cars universe, said in an interview:
“There are more Cars things brewing, I can’t say much more yet. Cars have a life that will keep going. I am working on some real fun projects right now that you will see in a couple of years. It takes us a while to make them.”
Well, this doesn’t guarantee a fourth movie, but it does mean Pixar is still investing in the Cars world which will be interesting to see!
What About the Disney+ Series?
Disney+ released Cars on the Road in 2022. This was a nine-episode animated series featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater.
The series explored different mini-adventures, introduced new characters, and brought back the franchise’s signature humor and heart.
The positive reception of that series showed there’s still demand for more Cars content, even if it’s not a full-length feature film.
Will There Be a Cars 4 Eventually?
It’s possible, but not anytime soon.
Reasons it could happen:
- The Cars franchise is a cash cow, especially in merchandise sales!
- Disney is leaning heavily on sequels again (Inside Out 2 (2024), Toy Story 5 (2026), Frozen 3 (2027)).
- Streaming and theme park tie-ins keep the Cars universe alive.
Reasons it might not:
- Pixar has a tight release calendar with other sequels and original films already confirmed.
- Cars 3 was a natural character arc closure for McQueen.
- No official studio budget or team has been assigned publicly.
Unless Pixar drops a surprise announcement for Cars fans, the earliest a Cars 4 film could be released would likely be 2028 or later, based on typical production timelines.
Related Article: Bad Boys: The Cars of the Franchise
Final Thoughts
While there’s no Cars 4 in active development (at least publicly), the franchise isn’t in park either. Between streaming content, theme park expansions, and toy sales, Cars is still a major player for Disney.
If and when it happens, you can expect Lightning McQueen to be back with new tracks to burn and new faces in the pit crew.
Until then, keep your engines warm and don’t fall for fanon rumors posing as fact!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a release date for Cars 4?
There’s no official release date for Cars 4. Rumors have guessed 2028, but nothing has been confirmed by the production team yet.
Will Lightning McQueen return?
If Cars 4 ever happens, it’s likely Owen Wilson would return as McQueen, as he’s the core of the franchise.
One Response
My son loves cars all of the movies so it would trill this Moms heart to be able to see my little boys face and eyes light up with a brand new cars movie that’s the only thing he has really gotten into so I’m going to pray that it does happen