I'd been looking forward to attending the preview of Disney Pixar's Cars 2 movie for weeks since I received the invitation. The movie Cars and its cast of characters have been such favorites of the kiddo's, and it's been nearly five years since the first Cars, so you can imagine the build-up of anticipation. I showed the kiddo some video and photos from the event and to say he's revved up would be an understatement. I'm sure there's a generation of little boys being told that they have to wait just a few more months as Cars 2 hits theaters June 24th. Although, you can watch the movie trailers now as many times as you'd like. ;-)
Disney Names New Cars 2 Characters and Voice Actors
At the preview yesterday, Disney named names. I mean, named Cars 2 character names. . . and the actors voicing them. They're cheeky and fun as the Cars 2 storyline follows Lightning McQueen on a worldwide journey for the World Grand Prix race, bringing a number of global characters and settings to the sequel, like:
- Finn McMissile, a British spy agent, is voiced by Michael Caine
- Holley Shiftwell, a British spy-in-training, is voiced by Emily Mortimer
- Miles Axelrod, an electric vehicle, will be voiced by Eddie Izzard
- Francesco Bernoulli, an Italian racecar, will be voiced by John Turturro
Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer made special appearances to talk about the animation process and their characters. Emily was totally delightful and stunning in a Valentine's Day red dress, and Michael was funny and endearing talking about making the movie - not only about the seemingly tedious computer animation process, but also about making a movie so his grandchildren can see something he's in before they're 18.
New Toys Will Launch for Cars 2 This Summer
Disney had over 300 Cars 2 toys on display, including a lifesize Finn McMissile...
These are some of the highlights of what I saw set to come between now and June.
Disney Interactive Studios gave a first look at Cars 2: The Video Game and I had fun trying it out. I figure I might as well practice up as I'm sure I'll find myself playing hours of the game w/ the kiddo this summer and fall. ;-)
Hasbro is launching a creative Cars 2 Monopoly board game, and I thought these wheels instead of houses were pretty creative...
Mattel is launching Lightning McQueen Alive and more than 70 new collectible die-cast cars - due in stores May 2011. This is one of my favorite Cars 2 toys as Lightning moves by himself - driving forward and backward, moving his mouth and eyes, shurgging his shoulders - it's cool. Check out a sneak peek at Lightning McQueen Alive.
LEGO is launching Spy Jet Escape
Spin Master is launching Zero Gravity Finn McMissile - a radio control vehicle that can drive on walls. You'll have to see it to believe it.
Also, Toys 'R Us will offer a new Disney Pixar Cars Wood Collection - the first Cars-inspired wooden toy line. I really liked these cars made of wood. It totally reminded me of our Thomas the Tank Engine toys, and I liked that they looked and felt solid and rich - such an improvement over some of the plastic toy sets we have at home that break easily, or just never hold their place once you set them up.
So these are a few of the Cars 2 toys and products I saw. Yesterday's event was a fun taste of what's to come when the movie arrives in theaters.
I can already see the wooden car set being a HUGE hit at our house just like the train table!!!!! I will google it and see where and when I can pick up a set for Nuggie!!!! WOW! That would be perfect from the Easter Bunny if it is out by then!
Posted by: Holly Annen | February 16, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Great article - I look forward to seeing Cars 2 when it comes out. The Cars 2 Monopoly game with a spin looks like one kids will enjoy. There will be cars cars cars everywhere.
Posted by: Becky | February 16, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Holly- I really like the wooden train set too! The wooden cars were like cute car-shaped blocks. They're set to arrive at Toy 'R Us in May.
Posted by: c2cmom | February 16, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Great post Heidi! You take amazing pictures. I am so jealous.
My son cannot wait for Cars 2! The Spin Master Zero Gravity Flynn McMistle was my fav of the Cars line!
Posted by: Corine | February 16, 2011 at 10:59 AM
My three year old grandson is going to love the new movie and all the great new Toys.
Posted by: Allen | June 13, 2011 at 09:19 PM