Lightning McQueen Races Back to Theaters as “Cars” Celebrates 20 Years

Life is a highway, and twenty years later, Lightning McQueen is ready to race down it all over again.

Disney and Pixar are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cars by bringing the original animated film back to theaters beginning September 4, giving longtime fans a chance to return to Radiator Springs while introducing a new generation to the movie that started one of Pixar’s biggest franchises.

The theatrical return also arrives perfectly timed for Lightning McQueen Day on September 5, a nod to the famous racer’s unmistakable No. 95.

It is hard to believe it has already been two decades since audiences first met the overly confident rookie racer whose journey to the biggest race of his life took an unexpected detour through a forgotten little town.

And, naturally, that detour changed everything.

After becoming stranded in Radiator Springs, Lightning slowly learns that life is about a lot more than trophies and finish lines. Along the way, he meets Mater, Sally, Doc Hudson and the rest of the town’s residents, creating friendships that would go on to define not only the film, but the entire Cars franchise.

Owen Wilson voices Lightning McQueen, with Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, Bonnie Hunt as Sally and the late Paul Newman as Doc Hudson.

The 2006 film went on to win the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and received Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

But the theatrical rerelease is only one lap in what is shaping up to be a much larger anniversary celebration.

Throughout the year, Cars will be speeding into a variety of special events and collaborations. Fans can expect dedicated screenings, museum exhibits and major motorsports activations, including a presence at Formula 1’s Gran Premio D’Italia at Monza and NASCAR’s Daytona 500.

Life-size Cars displays are also planned for automobile museums across multiple countries, allowing fans to get a little closer to the characters and automotive world that helped make the franchise such a natural fit with real-world racing culture.

And, because no big theatrical anniversary is complete without collectibles, Lightning McQueen is also becoming the snack container.

Cinemark has revealed a new Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket, turning the famous No. 95 racer into an 85-ounce collectible container. A second 130-ounce metal popcorn tin featuring Lightning and Mater is also part of the anniversary lineup.

From the movie theater to the racetrack and everywhere in between, Disney and Pixar are making sure Cars gets a suitably high-octane celebration.

After all, Lightning McQueen may have learned long ago that winning is not everything.

But getting another chance to see Radiator Springs on the big screen?

That certainly feels like a victory lap.