CARS 2 – JOHN LASSETIRE Character Debut

Look who got their own special rollout today! Everyone knows that high-profile races are fueled by the cars behind the race cars. Joining the ranks of the World Grand Prix in CARS 2 is John Lassetire, a pit crew chief voiced by the film’s director. John Lasseter was encouraged by his production team to voice the character as a fun surprise as Pixar Animation Studios celebrates 25 years with its 12th animated feature.

Did you know:

 John Lasseter made his feature film directing debut with “Toy Story” in 1995. He has since directed such Disney•Pixar classics as “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2” and “Cars” and served as executive producer of all other Pixar films to date. He is currently the chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering.

“Cars 2” is the 12th feature-length animated film from Pixar Animation Studios (its first 11 have earned $6.5 billion at the global box office). Pixar, which has earned 26 Academy Awards® and six Golden Globes®, celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2011.

“Cars” originally released on June 9, 2006, and grossed nearly $462 million worldwide. It was nominated for two Oscars® and one Golden Globe®, winning the first ever Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film.

Check out the other cars rollouts HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE

Synopsis:

Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in CARS 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile (voice of Michael Caine) and the stunning spy-in-training Holley Shiftwell (voice of Emily Mortimer). Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

CARS 2 is co-directed by Brad Lewis, producer of the Oscar®-winning film Ratatouille, and produced by visual effects industry veteran Denise Ream (associate producer, UP ; visual effects executive producer, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.

CARS 2 hits the track on June 24, 2011 and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D in select theaters.

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