DISNEY-PIXAR’S “CARS 2″ IS OFF TO THE RACES

Lightning McQueen Takes on 10 Global Champions in the First-Ever World Grand Prix to Determine the World’s Fastest Car

Who’s the fastest car in the world?

If you said Lightning McQueen – you’re not alone. As a four-time Piston Cup-winner, number 95 is a real contender. But can the American compete against international champs like Formula Racer Francesco Bernoulli – the favorite according to racing experts - (and Bernoulli himself)? And don’t forget Lewis Hamilton, the young, but incredibly talented yellow and black GTS car; Jeff Gorvette, the classic, all-American GTS master; and Carla Veloso, the tough Brazilian whose record speaks for itself – they have the guts to give the veterans a run for the title of world’s  fastest car.

Indeed, that title is what’s up for grabs in the first ever World Grand Prix – a race created by Sir Miles Axlerod, the infamous oil-baron-turned-environmentalist whose wonder-fuel Allinol will be the sole fuel allowed in the three-country race. Some say the race is merely an exhibition for Axlerod’s clean-burning fuel – but even if it is, the World Grand Prix has drawn the world’s top competitors and is already shaping up to be the race among races. What’s not to like? This race kicks off at night in Tokyo, Japan, cruises through breathtaking Porto Corsa, Italy, with a grand finale through the streets of London.

THE LINE-UP

- Lightning McQueen, #95, USA. Four-time Piston Cup-winner and Hudson Hornet protege says he’s not afraid of international competition.

- Francesco Bernoulli, #1, Italy. The Formula Racer champion is by far the most popular race car in Europe “if not the world”and has little doubt he’ll take the World Grand Prix, too.

- Lewis Hamilton, #2, Great Britain. The young Grand Touring Sports champion is a winner inside and out with unrivaled technical skills and a natural speed ability—but his achievements on the track speak for themselves.

- Max Schnell, #4, Germany. The carbon fiber convert has won more races at Motorheimring than any other World Torque Champion League car in history.

- Miguel Camino, #5, Spain. A veteran of the Running of the Bulldozers, he’s a fierce competitor on the Grand Touring Sport racing circuit, too.

- Raoul ÇaRoule, #6, France. “World’s Greatest Rally Car” – the first car to ever win nine consecutive rallies will dominate on the dirt sections.

- Shu Todoroki, #7, Japan. The Le Motor Prototype and champion of the Suzuka Circuit sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon that some say might intimidate the competition.

- Carla Veloso, #8, Brazil. Le Motor Prototype racer with a powerful Brazilian spirit who’s seen success in Europe’s 24-hour endurance racing team.

- Nigel Gearsley, #9, England. The Aston Martin DB9R racer who’s won nearly every start in the Grand Touring Sports circuit, including a string of podiums at Nurburgring and Le Mans.

- Rip Clutchgoneski, #10, Republic of New Rearendia. The Cinderella story of the competition just might put his country on the map.

-Jeff Gorvette, #24, USA. A master of the Grand Touring Sports circuits, his numerous championships make him a respected competitor – and legitimate threat.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Orchestrating a race the size and scope of the World Grand Prix isn’t easy. Fortunately, there was a team at Pixar Animation Studios that was up for the task. Director John Lasseter drove the effort, having experienced the Spanish Grand Prix during the CARS publicity tour. The experience opened his eyes to the power of the sport, particularly outside the U.S. Says CARS franchise guardian Jay Ward, “What people around the world love is formula style racing: open-wheeled, high horsepower, left-right-turn- Chicane-technical-course-type competition.”

Enter characters like Francesco Bernoulli’s a star racecar with a worldwide following. He’s his own number one fan. “Francesco is a fun character,” says producer Denise Ream. “He has a lot of personality and a very high opinion of himself. The interaction between Lightning McQueen and Francesco is fun and entertaining throughout the movie.”

“This guy is so funny,” says Lasseter of Francesco. “He is so full of himself, he’s an open-wheel car and in the car world, an open-wheel car is like those guys who barely button their shirts. He talks about himself in the third person. He’s so much fun. Voicing Francesco Bernoulli is John Turturro and he hit it out of the park. It’s one of the most entertaining characters we’ve ever created.”

Adds Ream, “I really look forward to watching Francesco’s scenes – maybe it’s because I have John Turturro in my mind when I’m watching it, because he is really funny. But I think the character’s going to be incredibly popular.”

Ream had the opportunity to work with a real Formula 1 driver when Lewis Hamilton was tapped for the film. Hamilton was hands on when it came to designing his CARS 2 car. “He was very particular about what he wanted,” she says. “His emblem combines the Union Jack and the flag of Grenada – which is on his actual helmet. He wanted the car to be black with yellow pinstriping, and he picked the wheels. We had a great time sending pictures back and forth and sharing notes.”

THE RACE IS ON

The team behind CARS 2 wanted to get the world’s newest event for racing enthusiasts “the World Grand Prix” just right – even if it meant traveling to some of the greatest race sites and races in the world, hanging out in the pits and riding in a racecar or two. Lasseter and co-director Brad Lewis took a trip in September 2007. “We flew into Italy,” says Lewis. “We stayed in Modena and went to the Ferrari factory and spent a day or two there. Then John and I drove over to Milan and we went to Monza and saw the Italian Grand Prix.”

But that was just the beginning of what would be several adventures. “John insisted that we do extensive research,” says Ream. “We’ve done quite a few research trips, perhaps more than any other film. We went to the Jim Russell driving school in Sears Point – we took the animation department. That was a lot of fun. I also got to go to the Monaco Grand Prix, which was pretty spectacular.”

Several members of the Pixar team took part in Monaco’s Grand Prix practice and qualifying events. “Monaco is the most famous street grand prix Formula 1 racing track in the world,” says Lewis. “It was important for everybody to experience a high-end Formula 1 race.”

“On the way to Monaco, we stopped in Torino,” says production designer Harley Jessup. “We went to the Fiat track there and they brought out a great collection of cars that that we got to ride in with their driver – going 150 miles per hour. It was really fun.”

When it came time to decide just who would race in the World Grand Prix, filmmakers had a lot to consider. “In order for this to be a true international racing decathlon,” says Lewis, “we knew we wanted the best athletes from all the different racing disciplines. But we couldn’t have a cast of thousands and there are lots of different racing forms. So we decided to take a singular champion from the major racing forms.”

They subsequently created their version of the world’s fastest racecars for the film – NASCAR, Formula 1, Rally racing, Le Mans Prototypes, Grand Touring/GT1, GT2 and Deutsche Tourwagen Masters. For the designs of the racecars, the team considered speed, weight, power output and function to create the right look for each racecar.

The result? A race to top all races. “All the gloves are off,” says Ward. “If the best of the best in every type of racing around the world were invited to compete, what would happen?”

“It’s a race of champions in all these different classes,” continues Ward. “We thought, ‘how do we level the playing field?’ And we came up with these courses that basically offered a little bit of benefit to each car. There’s an off-road section so the rally car could just fly down the course and the Formula racer would go really slow in the dirt, but then speed back up on the street. Lightning McQueen is great at both.”

But can number 95 top Francesco Bernoulli? Bernoulli is, after all, the car considered by many to be the fastest car in the world – at least before the World Grand Prix.

And what about Lewis Hamilton, Jeff Gorvette, Carla Veloso and the rest? In a field of 11 champions, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will finish first. And the filmmakers – well, they’re not talking. “We’ve all got our favorites,” says Lewis.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

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 rookie field spy 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.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning CARS. 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”). The film hits the track on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D® and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

In honor of Pixar’s 25th Anniversary, we’re continuing to provide a wide array of special stories for the upcoming CARS 2.

DISNEY•PIXAR’S “CARS 2” REVEALS WORLD’S SAVVIEST SECRET AGENTS:

Finn McMissile, Holley Shiftwell… and Mater!

Mater is known for tall tales, superior backwards driving, tractor tipping and uncompromising loyalty.

He’s also a secret agent… though unwittingly.

“Cars 2” sends the affable tow truck overseas, along with his best buddy Lightning McQueen, who’s competing in the first-ever World Grand Prix – a race through Japan, Italy and the U.K. to determine who is the world’s fastest car.

Mater’s intentions are good. He wants to lend a helping tire to Lightning and be there to see his best friend win the race and get the glory. Never having been overseas, Mater is a bit naïve to life outside Radiator Springs.

Then he meets Holley Shiftwell. She’s sleek, smart and sophisticated, and she’s interested in him! Mater is smitten with this rookie field spy who’s been sent to rendezvous with an American agent. Her colleague, master British spy Finn McMissile, is the best in the business with all the gadgets and savvy moves to prove it, but even he’s impressed when he meets Mater and finds his rusty undercover disguise particularly admirable.

Indeed, Mater fuels this fast-paced tale of international espionage, but it was Finn McMissile who sparked the story more than five years ago.

A SPY IS BORN

Disney•Pixar’s 2006 release “Cars” featured a blossoming romance between Lightning McQueen and Sally. Filmmakers storyboarded a date scene at a drive-in theater and pondered what movie might be playing. “I love spy movies,” says director John Lasseter, “and I thought it would be so much fun to see what a spy movie would look like in the car world. We came up with this character named Finn McMissile, who was going to be starring in this little movie-within-a-movie.”

Instead, says Lasseter, Lightning and Sally went on the picturesque drive on Route 66. “I never forgot the idea of Finn McMissile and the spy movie,” adds Lasseter. “I thought, ‘There’s a lot of potential there.’”

“Cars 2” took off with vast, global backdrops and an unprecedented multi-location race. But, says Lasseter, “That’s just the setting, the real story is this spy conspiracy.”

Finn McMissile evolved, of course. “He’s a British supercar,” says Jay Ward, art manager for “Cars” and now the “Cars” franchise guardian at Pixar Animation Studios, “and he’s a serious agent in the field.”

And serious agents come with some really serious gadgetry. Finn McMissile has a missile launcher in one headlight, and sports a spy cam in the other. He’s armed with deployable machine guns and an undercarriage-mounted quad harpoon gun, plus surveillance probes, grappling hooks and a rear turn signal oil blaster. His side mirrors feature digital read-outs and a deployable glass-cutter and his front wheel hub is equipped with a magnetic explosives launcher. He has several modes of transportation: drive, hydrofoil for overseas transportation and submarine mode for underwater escapes. And there’s always his roof-deployed holographic disguise emitter for particularly sticky situations. “He has steel magnets on his wheels so he can climb up the side of a steel wall,” adds Ward. “He’s a really cool car.”

But if the audience is in the market for a sixties spy car with Finn’s sharp, British looks—a car that gives new meaning to “fully loaded”—they’re out of luck. “He’s an in-house design,” says Ward. “We looked for British cars with fins, and guess what? They didn’t put a lot of fins on their cars.”

The 1958 Peerless, a British sports car, did feature tailfins, which served as partial inspiration, but the team studied a number of cars—British cars, Italian cars. “We wanted him to be a really elegantly designed English sportscar from the sixties,” says character art director Jay Shuster. “We did this really deep search into that kind of car from that era. We took everything from all the cars we love and baked it into Finn.”

Meanwhile, Holley Shiftwell is assertive, yet refined—and she’s fresh out of the academy. “She’s a really smart, up-and-coming British agent who hasn’t spent a lot of time in the field,” says producer Denise Ream.

“She’s basically a logistics agent,” adds Ward. “She’s not somebody who’s usually out there beating up the bad guys. But in this film, she gets pulled into that world for the first time.”

Holley is sharp and capable, with expertise in computers and logistics. She’s also young, cool and quite fetching (just ask Mater). Like Finn McMissile, she owes her good looks to the team at Pixar who created her design in house. “Holley developed really quickly,” says Shuster. “I came in on a Sunday afternoon and was doodling and sketching based on what John said he’d like Holley to look like. She’s new-school. I referenced the modern supercar from all the makes of the world. There’s a whole new breed of supercar that all these little private manufacturers are putting out in limited runs. I drew this sketch and the next day John saw it and said, ‘Yeah, that’s it.’”

Of course, Holley, too, comes well equipped with state-of-the-art mechanisms, including headlight cameras, a concealed gun and electro-shock device and a telescoping utility arm. “She can fly, actually,” says Shuster. “She’s got wings that protrude from her rocker panels and her rear deck lid becomes a horizontal stabilizer of a rear wing that has a jet intake. She’s got afterburners that appear in her exhaust.”

The spy business is a serious one. Missions pop up around the world, so a good transportation system is key, even for the four-wheeled spies in “Cars 2.” With twin jet engines and a speed of mach 1, Siddeley the spy jet can get them where they need to go faster than anyone—and he can do it completely undetected with cutting-edge cloaking and stealth technologies.

The question remains: is Mater a spy sporting the best disguise Britain’s secret agents have ever encountered?

That’s classified, of course.

Michael Caine lends his voice to Finn McMissile, Emily Mortimer is the voice of Holley Shiftwell, Jason Isaacs voices Siddeley, and both Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy once again brings Lightning McQueen and Mater, respectively, to life.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

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 rookie field spy 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.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning “Cars.” “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”). The film hits the track on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

Being the Anglophile (read – lover of all things British), may I present her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family of automobiles from CARS 2. What with the big wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday April 29th, as my English sis would say, these new photos are ”Bloody marvellous.” A cuppa PG Tips all around!

The Queen (voice of Vanessa Redgrave)

With the final stage of the World Grand Prix racing through the historic streets of London, England, the Queen is quietly elated she was invited to preside over the finish line by Sir Miles Axlerod. Painted in shades of the most royal blues and never without her jeweled crown, the Queen is the definition of decorum and regality, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy a bit of first-rate competition! Sidenote – Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday is this Thursday, April 21st.

Prince Wheeliam

Prince Wheeliam of England is an avid racing fan. He can’t believe his luck that the final race of the one-of-a-kind World Grand Prix is happening on the streets of London. Though he must remain impartial when by his grandmother the Queen’s side, he is privately rooting for his fellow Brits Lewis Hamilton and Nigel Gearsley to cross the finish line first.

Sgt. Highgear

Sgt. Highgear is a member of the regiment assigned to London’s landmark Buckingham Palace. With a recognizable tall bearskin cap atop his scarlet body, he stands guard at his sentry box with pride and conviction.

Topper Deckington III

Topper Deckington III is a classic British double-decker bus in a vivid shade of red who relishes in his daily Killswitch route through London’s famous bustling Petroldilly Circus.

Chauncy Fares

No one knows the sites, streets or shortcuts of London better than the jovial Chauncy Fares, a quintessential London black cab.

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 rookie field spy 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 features the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Guido Quaroni, Lloyd Sherr, Paul Dooley, John Ratzenberger, Jenifer Lewis, Michael Wallis, Katherine Helmond, John Turturro, Franco Nero, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard, Bruce Campbell, Michel Michelis, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Lewis Hamilton, and David Hobbs.

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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

At WonderCon over this weekend, Walt Disney Studios had a car featuring the Twitter handle @ChromeLeaks parked outside the Moscone Center that sent fans to the URL cars-n-deals.com. The spot is a faux advertisement for “Cars N’ Deals of Emeryville” directed by Chris Cantwell (the same guy who directed the Lots-o-Huggin’ Bear faux ad last year for Toy Story 3).

The spot features subtle hints about the upcoming CARS 2 and even has a working phone number. Also, hidden within the ad (the 57-second mark) is a URL for an exclusive clip of CARS 2 as seen below.

Here’s the original “faux ad” that appeared on Mashable.

Hey, that’s pretty clever. Leave it to Disney-Pixar to hatch another brilliant marketing plan!

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 rookie field spy 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 features the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann, Guido Quaroni, Lloyd Sherr, Paul Dooley, John Ratzenberger, Jenifer Lewis, Michael Wallis, Katherine Helmond, John Turturro, Franco Nero, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard, Bruce Campbell, Michel Michelis, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Lewis Hamilton, David Hobbs.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning “Cars.” “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”). The film hits the track on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Walt Disney Studios would like you to meet Rod “Torque” Redline and Siddeley in these newly released character “Showroom Turntable” videos. Audiences will be able to see these latest characters up on the big screen four months from today on June 24th.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS: 
Rod “Torque” Redline (voice of Bruce Campbell)

Rod “Torque” Redline is considered by many as the greatest American spy in the world. Recruited after the Cold War for both his brains and brawn, Torque is a tough-as-nails Detroit muscle car with a mastery of disguises. In his latest deep-cover operation, he obtained vital information about the plot to sabotage the World Grand Prix. So Rod plans a rendezvous with his British counterparts to share his discoveries at the World Grand Prix welcome reception in Tokyo, Japan. But with the bad guys hot on his tailpipe, Rod is forced to ditch the intel early and with the first party guest he sees – a rusty American tow truck named Mater.

Siddeley (voice of Jason Isaacs)

Siddeley is a state-of-the-art British twin-engine spy jet. At 176 feet from nose to tail and an impressive 157-foot wingspan, the super sleek silver-bodied Siddeley streaks through international skies at record-breaking mach 1 speeds. Outfitted with all the latest in high-tech spy equipment, including cloaking technology, defensive weaponry and afterburners, Siddeley is Finn’s steadfast partner-in-fighting-crime around the globe.

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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Like CARS 2 on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/PixarCars

Like Rod “Torque” Redline on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rod-Coppia-motrice-Redline/133009250101079?sk=wall#!/pages/Rod-Torque-Redline/100256953382443

Like Siddeley on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/carssiddeley#!/pages/Siddeley/202440669773118

Over the weekend we introduced to you the competitive Shu Todoroki and the spunky Acer and Grem. Today, meet another set from CARS 2 including the Italian car Francesco Bernoulli who’s just stepped into the racing circle. Plus, say ciao to Luigi’s Uncle Topolino and Aunt, Mama Topolino. Bello!

Character Description:

Francesco Bernoulli (voice to be announced)

Francesco Bernoulli grew up in the shadow of the famous Monza race course in Italy where he and his friends would sneak onto the track and race the famous Pista di Alta Velocita bank turn. He was an instant winner on the amateur circuit and soon became an international Formula Racer champion. The ladies love Francesco’s open wheels, youngsters look up to his winning spirit and fellow racers envy his speed. But Francesco’s biggest fan is Francesco himself, as evidenced by his racing number. As the most famous race car in Europe, #1 Francesco is a favorite to win the World Grand Prix, which also makes him Lightning McQueen’s chief rival.

Character Description:

Uncle Topolino (voice of Franco Nero)

In the small village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy, Luigi’s favorite uncle, Uncle Topolino, resides with his beloved wife, Mama Topolino. Uncle Topolino is the owner of the village’s tire shop, where he taught Luigi and Guido everything they know, though Uncle Topolino is full of sage advice about more than just tires.
 

Character Description:

Mama Topolino (voice of Vanessa Redgrave)

To all who know her, Luigi’s aunt, Mama Topolino, is a masterful cook with the best fuel in the village of Santa Ruotina, near Porto Corsa, Italy. Though she has a loving, but fiery relationship with her husband, Uncle Topolino, she shows her love and generosity for both family and friends by feeding everyone her renowned delizioso fuel.

Like Francesco Bernoulli on Facebook HERE, Like Uncle Topolino on Facebook HERE and Like Mama Topolino on Facebook HERE. Check out the other cars turntables 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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Look who’s just stepped into the racing circle. Representing Japan, #7 – Shu Todoroki and a blast from the 1970′s past, the spunky AMC Gremlin and Pacer – better known as Grem and Acer!

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:

SHU TODOROKI

Shu Todoroki is a Le Motor Prototype racer representing Japan and bearing #7 in the World Grand Prix. Shu was raised at the base of the active Mount Asama volcano in Japan, and soon became a champion on the Suzuka Circuit. His sleek design sports a fiery red Ka-Riu dragon, which Shu borrowed from Japanese legend because he relates to the small, yet fierce nature of the dragon. His team legacy is filled with victories – his coach, a Mazda, was the only Japanese car to ever win at Le Mans – and Shu hopes to prove his champion-level racing on the international stage of the World Grand Prix.

The lemon Grem…

Character Description:

GREM

Grem is a dented, rusty orange AMC Gremlin. After years of being dismissed for his design, even being called a “lemon,” Grem has a big chip on his fender that has led him to the underworld of international espionage. As a henchman for a villainous boss Professor Z, Grem and his partner-in-crime Acer are trying to sabotage the World Grand Prix and the famous race cars competing in it. When Grem and Acer mistake Mater for an American agent with important top-secret information, the ruthless lemons set out on a round-the-globe chase to stop Mater from foiling their evil scheme.

…and the other lemon Acer.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:

ACER

Acer has always felt like an outcast in the car world. The beat-up green AMC Pacer joined forces with fellow “lemon” cars as henchmen for the devious Professor Z, whose clandestine mission is to wreak havoc at the highly visible World Grand Prix. Acer must hunt down the American and British secret agents who’ve stolen crucial information about Professor Z’s underhanded plot—his primary target just happens to be Mater, who’s been mistaken for a spy. Acer tries very hard to be a tough guy, but he’s over-eager compared to his no-nonsense accomplice Grem.

Like Shu Todoroki on Facebook HERE, Like Grem on Facebook HERE and Like Acer on Facebook HERE. Check out the other cars turntables 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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

With quite possible the cutest little giggle of any of the CARS, Walt Disney Studios would like you to meet Carla Veloso in this newly released character ‘Showroom Turntable’ video.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:
 
Carla Veloso

World Grand Prix contender Carla Veloso hails from Rio de Janiero, Brazil. The sweet but powerful Latin diva can dance the night away at “Car-nival,” but spends most of her time on the racetrack. After setting a new track record at the local Interlagos circuit, she was drafted to join the 24-hour endurance racing team in Europe, where she posted a consistent series of podium finishes. In the World Grand Prix, the proud Brazilian Le Motor Prototype racer is the only female in the field, and Carla is ready to prove to the world that #8 is there to win for her home country.

“Like” Carla Veloso on Facebook HERE. Check out the other cars turntables 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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Meet Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell in these newly released character ‘Showroom Turntable’ videos, character posters and character bios from CARS 2.

CARS 2: ‘Showroom Turntable’ Video – “Finn McMissile”

CARS 2: ‘Showroom Turntable’ Video – “Holley Shiftwell”

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Finn McMissile

Finn McMissile is a master British spy. Though charming and eloquent, it’s his stealth maneuvering, intelligence and years in the field that enable him to thwart unexpected attacks from bad guys, making quick daredevil escapes.. Finn’s design is sleek and timeless, but he’s also prepared for any tricky situation with an arsenal of ultra-cool gadgets and weaponry, including front and rear grappling hooks, a missile launcher, deployable magnetic explosives and a holographic disguise emitter. As a seasoned professional in the game of international espionage, Finn believes there is a conspiracy brewing during the World Grand Prix. His clandestine work surrounding the global exhibition race puts him on a collision course with Mater, whom he mistakes for an undercover American agent with a genius disguise.

Holley Shiftwell

Holley Shiftwell is a beautiful young British desk agent, turned spy-in-training who’s stationed in Tokyo. Well-educated and sharp, she knows every trick in the book—or rather, she relies on every trick in the spy manual. She’s armed with the latest state-of-the-art spy equipment imaginable, from hidden cameras and concealed weapons to a telescoping utility arm and a holographic pop-up display. Holley is a highly motivated agent, but is fresh out of the academy, so her experience is based on lessons learned in school rather than real-life situations. When seasoned international spy Finn McMissile requires Holley’s technical expertise for his latest top-secret field operation, she finds herself pursuing a rendezvous with the most unlikely candidate—Mater, an innocent caught up in the intrigue, who is mesmerized by the beauty of his newest friend.

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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Meet Mater and the Radiator Springs gang Flo, Lizzie, Ramone, Sally, and Sheriff in these newly released character ‘Showroom Turntable’ videos, character posters and character bios from CARS 2.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Mater

In the now popular tourist destination of Radiator Springs, the rusty old tow truck Mater has a number of roles, including proprietor of Tow Mater Towing and Salvage, grand storyteller and the heart and soul of the town. But Mater’s favorite title is best friend to Lightning McQueen. Mater values each and every dent he’s earned on his escapades with Lightning over the years, and anxiously awaits further fun with his friend when Lightning returns with his latest Piston Cup.

Cheerful, honest and loyal to a fault, Mater rushes to his best friend’s defense, which ultimately lands the off-duty Lightning in an international racing exhibition: the World Grand Prix. When Lightning invites Mater to come along as a member of his pit crew, Mater leaves Carburetor County for the first time ever.

Not long after their arrival in Tokyo, Mater learns that the world outside of Radiator Springs is decidedly different and its newfangled ways may take some getting used to.  But when he’s mistaken for an American secret agent, he falls into an intriguing adventure of his own. Caught between supporting his best friend on a globe-trotting racing competition and his new role in international espionage, Mater ends up in an explosive chase through the streets of Tokyo and Europe alongside a team of British spies and international bad guys.

Sally

Sally, a baby blue Porsche 911 Carrera, is the proprietor of Radiator Springs’ Cozy Cone and Wheel Wagon Motels and the apple of Lightning McQueen’s eye. Longing for Lightning’s return from his latest Piston Cup race season, Sally is looking forward to a long drive with “Stickers,” as she affectionately calls Lightning.

When Lightning commits to racing in the World Grand Prix the same night of his return, Sally remains steadfastly supportive of her star racecar. She even convinces Lightning to take his best friend Mater along for the ride of a lifetime. Though Sally stays behind in Radiator Springs, even she lights up for the open-wheeled racing cars from Europe – but only Lightning truly makes her motor purr.

Ramone

Ramone owns and operates Ramone’s House of Body Art, Radiator Springs’ custom body and paint shop. Ramone is an artist — a true magician with paint and metal.  There was a time when his only canvas was himself, so he repainted himself daily.  But since Lightning McQueen helped put Radiator Springs back on the map, Ramone has had his share of customers—including the star race car himself. Before heading off to the World Grand Prix, Lightning stops by Ramone’s for a new paint job…and Ramone does him up gooood.

Flo

Flo is a sassy, no-nonsense lady with the biggest heart in Radiator Springs. She runs the local diner, Flo’s V-8 Café, the only gas station for miles around, where she still serves the “finest fuel in 50 states.” Flo is Ramone’s main squeeze. As a touring Motorama girl in the 1950s, Flo was passing through Radiator Springs and when she met Ramone, she was hooked.

Sheriff

Sheriff is the local law enforcement and the keeper of the peace in Radiator Springs. He takes his job very seriously. Sheriff enjoys telling stories and taking the occasional nap behind the Radiator Springs billboard. That’s where he was when Lightning McQueen first zoomed into town years ago, which led to a messy car chase that didn’t end well.  These days, Sheriff welcomes the hotshot racer Lightning home to Radiator Springs with all four tires.

Lizzie

Lizzie is a Radiator Springs original. She’s a little old lady, but still an active businesswoman who uses her moxie to sell bumper stickers, mud flaps and other Route 66 memorabilia from her curio shop. She’s as feisty as she is brash. Lizzie’s unswerving frankness and offbeat comments keep the townsfolk and tourists on their toes, even though she has no idea what she’s just said.

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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Rev up your engines!  People.com gives us this first-look photo of the crew from CARS 2. Additionally, the official poster has debuted on Yahoo! Movies. Looks to be like a fun ride!

Check back tomorrow morning at 8am/PT on Disney.com HERE and the CARS Facebook page HERE to see the worldwide debut of the official trailer.

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. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, 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. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning CARS. 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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Mater and Lightning McQueen are back in this new teaser trailer for Disney/Pixar’s CARS 2.

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. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, 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. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.

John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct this follow-up to his 2006 Golden Globe®-winning CARS. 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.

Visit the film’s official site here, like it on Facebook here and follow it on Twitter here.

Well, WAMG readers, it’s official. Disney has made history with its release of two $1 billion films in a single year. 

Here’s the official press release: 

DISNEY•PIXAR’S TOY STORY 3 WILL CROSS $1 BILLION TODAY; DISNEY TO BECOME FIRST STUDIO WITH TWO $1 BILLION FILMS IN ONE YEAR

BURBANK, Calif. – August 27, 2010 – Two weeks after becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time, Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 3 will cross the $1 billion mark at the global box office today, joining ALICE IN WONDERLAND as the second $1 billion film this year from The Walt Disney Studios – the first studio in history to accomplish this feat. Disney first crossed the $1 billion threshold with PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST in 2006. TOY STORY 3 becomes the only animated film to reach this milestone and the seventh title in industry history. 

“It’s been an incredible year as we saw the Pixar team bring Buzz and Woody back to the big screen and watched Tim Burton’s vision for  take the world by storm,” said Rich Ross, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios.  “These box office triumphs prove that creative storytelling brought to life by imaginative, inspired and talented professionals is something audiences respond to the world over.”  

As of Thursday (8/26/10), TOY STORY 3 tallied more than $592.9 million internationally, Disney’s largest international animated release. Latin American audiences have contributed $138 million making TOYSTORY 3 the highest grossing Disney film ever released in the region. TOY STORY 3 is the most successful UK release in Disney history and currently stands as the fourth biggest title in territory history with $102.4 million in box office receipts so far.  In Japan , the film has taken in $111.2 million and spent five consecutive weeks as the #1 movie.TOY STORY 3 currently ranks as the #7 film in global box office history and domestically ranks #9 with $404.6 million in receipts to date. 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND began setting records during its opening weekend (March 5-7), becoming the biggest March opening in industry history, the highest 3D opening ever and The Walt Disney Studios’ biggest opening for a non-sequel film.  Internationally, the film went on to tally more than $690 million, becoming Disney’s biggest overseas release of all time and the fourth biggest title ever released overseas.  Worldwide, the film took in $1.0243 billion, ranking it as the #5 film in global box office history.  

About The Walt Disney Studios
For more than 85 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under four banners: Walt Disney Pictures, which includes Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel, and Touchstone Pictures, which includes the distribution of live action films from DreamWorks Studios. Through the Home Entertainment and Television divisions, innovative distribution methods provide access to creative content across multiple platforms. Original music and motion picture soundtracks are produced under Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, while Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Broadway theatrical productions, Disney on Ice and Disney LIVE!.  For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

Hey St. Louis! Woody and Buzz are back and they are asking for your help. Toys for Tots, in collaboration with the release of TOY STORY 3, is kicking off an unprecedented summer toy drive. Throughout the month of June in 24 cities throughout the United States, the public will be asked to honor their cherished memories of childhood play by donating a new unwrapped toy during TOY STORY 3 promotional events. The mission is to surpass the 16.3 million toys, books and other gifts raised in 2009 that fulfilled the holiday dreams of 7.4 million children in more than 690 communities nationwide.

“We are thrilled to be working with Disney/Pixar’s TOY STORY 3 on this special summer toy raising event,” said Bill Grein, vice president, marketing and development for The Marines Toys for Tots Foundation. “We are so proud of the fact that the gifts raised in each of the 24 cities will remain in those specific cities and will eventually be distributed to less fortunate children in those communities. It is truly a program where anyone who donates a toy is really donating a smile to a child in their own hometown.”

Participating cities include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington, DC.

Look for the Official Toys for Tots TOY STORY 3 donation boxes displayed at each event.

Any new and unwrapped toy, book or gift will gratefully be accepted.

We encourage donations for children of all ages, but please especially consider pre-teen and teenagers.

For details regarding a Toys for Tots TOY STORY 3 event in a city near you, please log on to http://www.toysfortots.org/. TOY STORY 3 opens in theatres everywhere June 18, 2010.

From Disney/Pixar Studios comes this behind the scenes look at TOY STORY 3. Director Lee Unkrich and Producer Darla K. Anderson provide a little insight with this featurette at the making of their film, along with some intros to the “Ken” doll and “Lots-o-Huggin Bear.”

With kids graduating this month from high school and college, this third installment is sure to pull on the heart-strings of those parents whose kids grew up with TOY STORY and TOY STORY 2.

The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favorite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives? In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future. Lee Unkrich (co-director of TOY STORY 2 and FINDING NEMO) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award winning screenwriter of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings.

Along with the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey, Jodi Benson, Ned Beatty, Bonnie Hunt, Timothy Dalton, Jeff Garlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Michael Keaton, TOY STORY 3 will be presented in Disney Digital 3D and hits theaters everywhere on June 18, 2010.

For those wanting more of Buzz, Woody and the gang, you can become a fan of TOY STORY 3 on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PixarToyStory3 and follow TOY STORY on Twitter @DisneyPixar.

“Kitty!”

That was the last word of PIXAR’s first MONSTERS, INC. as Sully (voiced by John Goodman) peaked back into Boo’s room to see if she remembered him.  She did, and so do we, and, now, nine years after the film’s release, PIXAR is remembering them, as well.  As reported on The Hollywood Reporter, PIXAR and Disney announced MONSTERS, INC. 2 (tentative title) will be released to theaters on November 16th, 2012.  Both Goodman and Billy Crystal are expected to return.

This will make MONSTERS, INC. the third film from PIXAR to be sequelized with TOY STORY 3 hitting theaters this coming Summer and CARS 2 coming Summer, 2011.  PIXAR is building their release schedules up, as well, getting away from the one-film-a -year structure they’ve been on for some time.  Also set to be released in 2012 is BRAVE.

While the idea of pumping out sequels to past treasures from PIXAR seems like a quick way to make some easy cash, I have learned my lesson never to count the animated studio out.  I remember not being particularly excited for UP, and that ended up being one of the best films PIXAR had to date.  TOY STORY 2 is also a fair indicator they know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to revisiting already established characters.

What do you think?  Is MONSTERS, INC. a good idea?  What other, PIXAR films would you like to see be turned into a franchise?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Disney/Pixar is sending out the word to all college students. You are invited to a screening of the SPECIAL CLIFFHANGER EDITION of Disney/Pixar’s TOY STORY 3! Select your school from the list on the special FACEBOOK page and then click “I’m In!” for the chance to see the first 65 minutes of the gang’s newest adventure.

The 4 Missouri Universities that are eligible for the TOY STORY 3 Cliffhanger Screening: 

Webster University, Washington University, Saint Louis University, and University of Missouri St. Louis.

Where: Landmark Tivoli.

When: Wednesday, April 28 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

You MUST bring your valid college ID for admission, seating is first come, first serve.

If you dont live in MO, click here for a complete list of all the colleges nationwide that are eligible for the special preview. And make sure to check out the full 3D experience of TOY STORY 3 when it hits theaters nationwide June 18, 2010. Remember, the toys are depending on you.

For all thing TOY STORY 3, check out the director’s, Lee Unkrich, Twitter page.

The gangs all here.  Well, Totoro’s not here.  And Pickaxe Pete seems to not be along for the ride this time around.  And there seems to be something a bit different with Slinky Dog.  But, other than that, it seems the whole gang is front and present for this TOY STORY 3 poster.

Brought to us today by Yahoo! Movies, the poster is fine.  It’s colorful enough so as to draw the eye in those brightly lit theater lobbies.  And, for some reason, Jessie sticking her leg out to show us Andy’s name still promptly written on the bottom of her boot brings a heart-filled grin to my face.  And, hey, the ascot is there for anyone who can’t get enough of that.  The poster could have been a black print with the ascot hanging in the middle, and I would have been sold.

TOY STORY 3 hits theaters in 3-D and IMAX on June 18th.

There was hardly ever any doubt how excited most of us were to have Buzz, Woody, and the rest of the gang back for a TOY STORY 3, especially when you consider PIXAR holding out for the returns of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.   Luckily for everyone, the new trailer released today through MySpace Movie Trailers seems just like old times with the TOY STORY crew.   The new adventure seems thrilling and funny and it offers the next, logical step in the story of one boy’s connection with his childhood toys.

The new trailer also offers up our first looks at some new characters, including the infamous Ken, voiced by Michael Keaton.   Incredible animation aside, this looks to be one of the more memorable characters of the series even if he doesn’t end up being the film’s eventual villain.

Don’t take my word for any of this, though.   Check out the new trailer for yourself.   You can also head over to MySpace to see the trailer in all of its Hi Def glory.

It’s also great to see Totoro from Miyazaki’s MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO make a cameo appearance.   In case you missed it, here’s the screen shot:

He’s the bunny-looking character there in the top right.   A very nice inclusion by PIXAR in my humble opinion.

TOY STORY 3 hits theaters on June 18th.

I loved Pixar’s UP so much. It makes my heart warm to see that this film is campaigning for a spot in the ten Best Picture nominees for this year’s Academy Awards. Variety has the spread below in their daily edition, which has been scanned by the kind folks over at Awards Daily. I personally love the use of these two photos, the first being Carl running up the hill to Ellie, leading to the second where the two of them are pointing out cloud forms. Ah this film just warms my heart. Go ahead, call me a sap. Do it. The film is campaigning for the ambitious Best Picture category and of course, Best Animated Feature. Check out the full quality version over at Awards Daily!

Do you guys think UP will get nominated for Best Picture?