Overview
- Tickets for the anniversary screenings went on sale Aug. 24 and showings begin Sept. 4, timed to lead into Lightning McQueen Day on Sept. 5.
- Walt Disney Studios and Pixar are framing the theatrical run as the launch point for a yearlong program of events and partnerships.
- Planned activations include life‑size Cars sculptures at major museums, a Cars presence at the Formula 1 Gran Premio d’Italia in Monza, a Porsche “Sally Special” U.S. tour and NASCAR tie‑ins.
- Theater chains will sell official anniversary novelties, with Cinemark listing an 85‑ounce Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket for $49.95 and other chains offering similar collectibles.
- Cars began in 2006 as a John Lasseter film that grew into a major Pixar franchise with sequels, TV projects and theme‑park lands, and the anniversary push is designed to reintroduce the original to new audiences while boosting franchise commerce.