Rumors are circulating in the animation world, suggesting that Disney/Pixar might be gearing up for another installment in the beloved Cars franchise. A recent leak from a D23 Brazil survey has ignited fan speculation about the development of Cars 4.
Reported by @AlmanaqueDisney, the survey posed questions to fans about which Disney projects they were most anticipating at the upcoming D23 convention in Brazil. Among the listed options, Cars 4 unexpectedly appeared, hinting at a project that may be further along than previously thought. Whispers suggest that the announcement of Cars 4 was initially planned for the animation panel at Disney’s D23 Expo in Brazil, but plans may have shifted.
Disney/Pixar’s strategy of revisiting successful franchises has proven to be a box office goldmine. The phenomenal success of Inside Out 2 in 2023, which became Pixar’s highest-grossing film ever with $1.6 billion globally, underscores this point. Early box office projections for Moana 2 are even more promising, potentially surpassing Inside Out 2. This trend is crucial for The Walt Disney Company as they aim to recapture their box office dominance reminiscent of 2019. Further solidifying this franchise-focused approach, Disney/Pixar has a slate of sequels in development, including Frozen 3, Frozen 4, Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, Zootopia 2, and a new Nemo project.
The Cars universe continues to resonate with audiences, as demonstrated by the positive reception of the Cars on the Road series on Disney+. This series has maintained interest in Lightning McQueen and Mater’s world. Furthermore, Disney is expanding the Cars experience beyond the screen, with new Cars attractions being developed for their theme parks. The Cars franchise is also a major revenue driver through merchandise sales, particularly appealing to younger demographics. The sale of toys, apparel, and various themed products associated with Cars generates substantial income for Disney.
