Cars 3 Featuring the Lou Pixar Short – Now in Theaters!

The day is here! Disney Pixar Cars 3 is officially in theaters everywhere! In case you missed any of my insider coverage I shared over the last several weeks, head here for the Cars 3 Story and check out the exclusive interviews with Cars 3 Director and Producers. I also had the amazing opportunity to tour Pixar Studios, and had so much fun sharing everything I learned and explored there on the campus. For more information on Cars 3 – including my no spoiler review – continue reading below. The Lou Pixar short will also be featured prior to Cars 3, and I’m including interview coverage with the creators below.

I was invited as media to cover this event. All opinions are my own.

About Cars 3

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Cars 3 Review

As the beloved Lightening McQueen begins to age, and new high performing cars with innovative training techniques start to take over, McQueen finds himself fading away with the times. What is he to do? This story is one that really resonates with those of us that are reaching that next level in life. Do you give up on what you truly love to make room for the up and coming talent? Or, do you stick it out and try to relive your glory days? Lightening McQueen has a tough choice to make, but with the help of his friends Mater, Sally, and new comer Cruz Ramirez McQueen finds his way. Cars 3 is filled with heart and hope. It’s a great film for the entire family!

Cars 3 Trailer:

Q&A with the creators of the Lou Pixar Short

While in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to speak with “Lou” Director Dave Mullins and Producer Dana Murray about the newest Pixar animated short.

Dave shared with us that he began working on a similar short idea, titled “Lost and Found” as far back as 2012. After returning to the drawing board many times, “Lou” a story about changing a bully’s heart was born. The invisible character, Lou, longs to be accepted by the kids. And by using the unique items in the Lost and Found box, Dave creates an adorable, loveable character.

During “pitch day” Dave shares, ” I pitched the idea, talked a bit about the story changes and then I revealed Lou’s maquette and everyone lit up. John Lasseter and Pete Duncan were in those roller chairs and they wheeled their way over to the maquette and they started playing with it and there was great conversation right away about the possibilities you could do with Lou. At this point, I knew I had them hooked.” After pitching ideas for 8 years, Dave finally had the green light to direct a Pixar short.

Dana shares, ” I was lucky enough to be paired with Dave and get to work on Lou. Once a producer comes on, it’s like a giant go switch with the studio. So Lou was officially in production at this point.” When designing their bully, JJ, Dana shares “we looked at Jonah Bobo from ‘Crazy Stupid Love’. This kid even though he looked tough also looked vulnerable at the same time. This was exactly what we needed JJ to look like. Someone who is as tough as nails but could fall apart when he was reunited with his long lost stuffed animal.” Dave shared that the initials JJ stands for his moms initials, as an ode to her, but that she is by no means like the character.

After many revisions to the story, and character “Lou”, the animated short finally came to life. It is funny, adorable, and entertaining. You and your family will not want to miss this adorable animated short film!

Lou Pixar Short Trailer:

Will you and your family see Cars 3 & the Lou Pixar short this weekend?

 

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