Cars 4 : tout ce que l’on sait sur le prochain film

Cars 4: Everything we know about the next movie

1232 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

June 2026 Update — This article provides an update on Cars 4, clearly distinguishing between what is official, what is based on serious clues, and what is merely a rumor.

Table of Contents

Is Cars 4 confirmed? The true status

Let's be precise, as many sites claim otherwise: as of today (June 2026), Cars 4 has not been officially announced or confirmed by Disney or Pixar. No press release, no trailer, no date.

However, there are some encouraging signs:

  • an official poll published on the D23 website listed "Cars 4" among the films fans were asked about – this is the most tangible clue to date;
  • several specialized media outlets report that an announcement could be made at the D23 Expo 2026;
  • the franchise remains one of Pixar's most profitable in terms of merchandise, which makes an economic case for a sequel.

But other sources from February 2026 state, on the contrary, that no production has officially started. Until Pixar announces anything, caution is advised.

📘 To understand the saga so far, check out our complete analysis of Cars 1, Cars 2, and Cars 3.

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Rumors and hypotheses about the story

No official plot details have been released. Here are the most common hypotheses among fans and in the specialized press — to be taken for what they are: speculations.

  • Cruz Ramirez in a central role would be the logical continuation of Cars 3, which established her as a competitive racer;
  • Lightning McQueen would evolve into a role as a coach or mentor, following the end of Cars 3;
  • a tone closer to Cars 1 and Cars 3 than to the spy movie Cars 2 — a return to emotions, racing, and Radiator Springs.

The series Cars on the Road (Disney+, 2022) showed that Pixar continues to invest in the universe, following Lightning and Mater on American roads.

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Casting: Who might return?

Owen Wilson (voice of Lightning McQueen in English) stated in an interview that he is still asked by Disney to reprise the role and is attached to the character.

If the film happens, we can reasonably expect the return of:

  • Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson)
  • Mater (Larry the Cable Guy)
  • Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo)
  • the residents of Radiator Springs: Sally, Luigi, Guido, Ramone, Flo, Red, Fillmore, Sarge…

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Release date: What's the latest?

No release date exists, as the film itself has not been announced. Cars 4 is not on any official Pixar calendar.

To give you an idea of the timeline: a Pixar feature film generally requires 3 to 5 years of production. Even if an announcement is made at D23 Expo 2026, a release before 2028-2029 would therefore be unlikely. Any more precise date you might encounter online is pure invention.

Major Pixar announcements traditionally happen at D23 Expo or Disney investor presentations — these are the events to watch for.

Cars on the Road: The latest chapter

In 2022, Pixar released the series Cars on the Road on Disney+ — 9 short episodes following Lightning McQueen and Mater on a road trip across the United States to meet Mater's sister.

While waiting for a possible Cars 4, this is the most recent canonical content of the saga:

  • it shows Lightning in a less competitive, more companionable and relaxed role;
  • it explores new environments never before seen in cinema;
  • it introduces new characters;
  • it confirms that Pixar is still keeping the franchise alive.

What fans are expecting

The Cars community is divided between several expectations:

  • a return to the emotional tone of Cars 1 — nostalgic, human, rooted in Radiator Springs;
  • Cruz Ramirez as the star and no longer in the background;
  • a fitting conclusion for Lightning McQueen, if he is indeed to retire;
  • nods to Doc Hudson — a beloved character whose memory has hung over the saga since Paul Newman's death in 2008;
  • a return to Radiator Springs as an emotional anchor point.

What fans don't want: an episode too focused on international action to the detriment of the characters — the main criticism leveled at Cars 2.

Summary table

Element Detail
Title "Cars 4" (no official title — film not announced)
Studio Pixar Animation Studios / Disney
Status Not officially confirmed (D23 poll + rumors of an announcement at D23 Expo 2026)
Expected characters (if the film is made) Lightning McQueen, Cruz Ramirez, Mater
Release date None — not announced
Voice of Lightning McQueen (English) Owen Wilson (willing, according to his interviews)
Latest canonical content Cars on the Road (Disney+, 2022)
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FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cars 4 confirmed?
No. As of today (June 2026), neither Disney nor Pixar have officially announced Cars 4. However, an official D23 poll mentioning the film and rumors of an announcement at D23 Expo 2026 maintain serious hope.

When will Cars 4 be released?
There is no date, as the film has not been announced. Even if it is officially confirmed in 2026, Pixar's production cycles (3 to 5 years) make a release before 2028-2029 unlikely.

Will Lightning McQueen be in Cars 4?
If the film is made, it is very likely: Owen Wilson has stated in interviews that he is willing to reprise the role, and the most solid hypotheses imagine Lightning as a mentor alongside Cruz Ramirez.

Where can I follow official announcements?
The official channels of Pixar and Disney, and major events like D23 Expo. Be wary of specific dates circulating on social media: unless they come from Disney, they are made up.

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