Overview
- Pixar and Walt Disney put advance tickets on sale Monday, August 24, for a special theatrical re‑release beginning September 4, with showings scheduled through September 10.
- The weeklong run is timed to include Lightning McQueen Day on September 5, a fan observance tied to the character’s No. 95 that serves as the anniversary focal point.
- The broader 20th‑anniversary program includes Route 66‑themed drive‑in screenings, life‑size Cars sculptures and exhibits at major museums, a Cars‑wrapped Mercedes and Lightning McQueen display at the Monza F1 weekend, plus planned NASCAR and festival activations.
- Retail tie‑ins have already launched, including Cinemark’s 85‑ounce Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket priced at $49.95 and limited to three per customer, with chains warning the items are likely to sell out.
- The re‑release builds on two decades of Cars content — sequels, TV shows and theme‑park lands — and is intended to use nostalgia and cross‑industry partnerships to reach new viewers and drive ticket, merchandise and experiential revenue.