Disney and Pixar’s Cars franchise has charmed audiences worldwide with its lovable characters and thrilling racing action. The third installment, Cars 3, released in 2017, introduced a new chapter in Lightning McQueen’s journey, bringing with it both familiar and fresh voices to bring these anthropomorphic vehicles to life. Just like the previous films, Cars 3 boasts a talented cast that perfectly embodies the spirit and personality of each character. Let’s dive into the voice cast of Cars 3 and discover the actors who rev up these animated roles.
Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen
Owen Wilson returns as the iconic voice of Lightning McQueen, the legendary race car. Wilson’s laid-back and affable vocal style perfectly captures McQueen’s confident yet sometimes vulnerable personality. He has voiced Lightning McQueen since the original Cars movie in 2006, as well as in subsequent shorts and Cars 2. Known for his roles in films like Wedding Crashers and Zoolander, Wilson brings his signature charm to this beloved animated character. Despite his fame as Lightning McQueen, Wilson humorously shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that his own children are not entirely convinced he is the voice behind the famous race car.
Cristela Alonzo as Cruz Ramirez
Cristela Alonzo lends her voice to Cruz Ramirez, a bright yellow sports car and an optimistic trainer who becomes a key part of Lightning McQueen’s journey in Cars 3. This marked Alonzo’s debut in the Cars universe, though she had previously showcased her voice talent in The Angry Birds Movie. Alonzo, a comedian and actress known for her sitcom Cristela, infuses Cruz with warmth, determination, and a can-do attitude. Cruz serves as a mentor and friend to McQueen, offering crucial advice when he faces new challenges in his racing career.
Larry the Cable Guy as Mater
Mater, the lovable tow truck and Lightning McQueen’s best friend, is once again voiced by comedian Larry the Cable Guy. With his distinctive Southern drawl, Larry the Cable Guy has been the voice of Mater since the first Cars film. He has also voiced Mater in various Cars spin-offs, including Mater and the Ghostlight, Cars Toons, and Cars 2, as well as video games. Mater’s loyalty and humor are central to the Cars franchise, and Larry the Cable Guy’s performance perfectly embodies these traits, making Mater a fan-favorite character.
Armie Hammer as Jackson Storm
Armie Hammer voices Jackson Storm, the sleek and arrogant antagonist in Cars 3. Storm represents the new generation of high-tech racers who threaten Lightning McQueen’s place in the racing world. This was Hammer’s first foray into the Cars franchise. Known for his roles in films like The Social Network and Call Me By Your Name, Hammer brings a confident and slightly menacing tone to Jackson Storm. He described his character’s strategy in an interview with Flicks and the City Clips, noting how Jackson Storm targets Lightning McQueen’s age to gain a psychological advantage.
Nathan Fillion as Sterling
Nathan Fillion voices Sterling, a charming and savvy business car who owns the Rust-eze Racing Center, where Lightning McQueen seeks training. Cars 3 marked Fillion’s debut in the Cars world. Fillion, widely recognized for his roles in Castle and Firefly, imbues Sterling with a smooth, business-oriented demeanor, hinting at both opportunity and potential manipulation. Fillion explained that Sterling is aware of current trends and aims to bring Lightning McQueen into a new era of success, albeit on Sterling’s terms.
Bonnie Hunt as Sally Carrera
Bonnie Hunt reprises her role as Sally Carrera, Lightning McQueen’s supportive and loving girlfriend. Hunt has voiced Sally in all Cars movies, making her a consistent and beloved part of the franchise. A versatile actress known for roles in Jerry Maguire and The Green Mile, as well as voice work in other Pixar films like Toy Story 3 and Monsters University, Hunt brings warmth and affection to Sally. Sally remains a steadfast source of encouragement for Lightning McQueen, reminding him of what truly matters beyond racing.
Chris Cooper as Smokey
Chris Cooper voices Smokey, a wise old pickup truck who runs Smoke’s Automotive Service and is revealed to be Doc Hudson’s former crew chief. Cars 3 was Cooper’s first venture into the Cars universe. Cooper, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Adaptation and American Beauty, lends a gravelly and authoritative voice to Smokey. Smokey becomes a crucial mentor to Lightning McQueen, guiding him by sharing wisdom from Doc Hudson’s racing days.
Tony Shalhoub as Luigi
Tony Shalhoub returns as the enthusiastic voice of Luigi, the Italian Fiat 500 who runs the tire shop Casa Della Tires in Radiator Springs. Shalhoub has been voicing Luigi since the original Cars movie. Known for his Emmy-winning role in Monk, Shalhoub brings an energetic and passionate Italian accent to Luigi. Luigi’s unwavering support for Ferrari (and Lightning McQueen) and his love for tires provide comedic relief and charm to the Radiator Springs crew.
Lea DeLaria as Miss Fritter
Lea DeLaria voices Miss Fritter, a formidable school bus who dominates the demolition derby scene. Cars 3 marked DeLaria’s debut in the Cars franchise. DeLaria, an actress and comedian known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, brings a boisterous and intimidating energy to Miss Fritter. With her menacing appearance and collection of license plates, Miss Fritter is a memorable and unique addition to the Cars 3 cast.
Kerry Washington as Natalie Certain
Kerry Washington voices Natalie Certain, a highly intelligent and statistically driven analyst who provides data-based assessments of racers. Cars 3 was Washington’s first time voicing a character in the Cars universe. Washington, acclaimed for her role as Olivia Pope in Scandal, lends a sophisticated and analytical voice to Natalie Certain. Her character represents the increasing reliance on data and analytics in modern racing.
Margo Martindale as Louise Nash
Margo Martindale voices Louise “Barnstormer” Nash, a character based on the real-life racer Louise Smith, known as the “First Lady of Racing”. Cars 3 marked Martindale’s entry into the Cars franchise. Martindale, an Emmy-winning actress for her roles in The Americans and Justified, brings a spirited and pioneering voice to Louise Nash. This character pays homage to the history of women in racing and adds depth to the film’s narrative.
Bob Costas as Bob Cutlass
Bob Costas voices Bob Cutlass, a seasoned sports announcer who provides commentary for the races within the Cars world. In a fitting piece of casting, Costas is a real-life, well-known sportscaster. Costas brings his authentic broadcasting voice to Bob Cutlass, adding a layer of realism and familiarity to the racing scenes.
Darrell Waltrip as Darrell Cartrip
Darrell Waltrip voices Darrell Cartrip, the excitable and often humorous racing commentator who partners with Bob Cutlass. Like Bob Costas, Darrell Waltrip is also a real-life figure in the racing world, a former NASCAR champion and commentator. Waltrip has voiced Darrell Cartrip in Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3. His energetic and distinctive voice is instantly recognizable to racing fans and adds to the comedic dynamic of the race commentary.
Ray Magliozzi and Tom Magliozzi as Dusty and Rusty
The Magliozzi brothers, Ray and Tom, known as “Click and Clack” from NPR’s Car Talk, lend their voices to Dusty and Rusty Rust-eze, the owners of Rust-eze and Lightning McQueen’s original sponsors. Their casting is a playful nod to their car expertise and adds a touch of real-world car culture to the film. Their natural banter and brotherly dynamic translate well to their roles as the Rust-eze brothers.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. as River Scott
Isiah Whitlock Jr. voices River Scott, a character inspired by Wendell Scott, the first African American driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. Cars 3 was Whitlock Jr.’s first involvement with the Cars franchise. Whitlock Jr., known for his roles in The Wire and Veep, provides a dignified and respectful voice to River Scott. This character serves as another tribute to racing history, highlighting the contributions of pioneers like Wendell Scott.
The voice cast of Cars 3 is a blend of returning favorites and exciting new additions, each actor bringing their unique talent to create a vibrant and engaging world of animated cars. Their performances are crucial in making these characters relatable and memorable, contributing significantly to the enduring appeal of the Cars franchise.
