Disney-Pixar kicked off the Cars animated film franchise back in 2006. Cars 2 followed in 2011 and Cars 3 more recently in 2017. The middle chapter notably diverged from focusing on, Owen Wilson's character, Lightning McQueen and instead starred Mater.
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy served as the voice of the cheerful tow truck in all three aforementioned instalments and also reprised the role for the Disneyland attractions (Radiator Springs Racers and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree) and Cars Toons shorts.
What's more, Larry is down to return for even more. During a recent interview with PopCulture.com, the comedian explained that he hasn't heard anything from Disney nor Pixar but would happily reprise the role of Mater wherever and whenever.
Well, I'll tell you what I don't know, but if you hear, let me know and I'll call Owen [Wilson]. Because that's what we're trying to figure out. You know what, I don't know. That was a fun thing to do. Obviously it's one of the only Pixar movies. It's got its own theme park. I just feel that they probably know that they've got this Disney thing up and going. You would think if you put in a billion-dollar theme park, you probably got to keep putting fuel in the tank. You would think. So I don't know.
He's referring to Cars Land which is an entire section of Disney California Adventure Park that's dedicated to the animated film franchise — and features the former of the aforementioned attractions. Furthermore, Larry explained that he's eternally grateful to have played the role of Mater as it provided him with a unique way to connect with his children. It's certainly smile-inducing.
I mean if they don't do one, I am extremely fortunate, blessed, and happy to be able to be Mater and do such a fun, iconic character. And if they don't do another one, I am extremely happy that I was able to do that. And if they do do it then we'll do another one and I'll be happy with that. It was a part of my career that is really awesome cause I have kids. When I'm out of here and my kids are old, they can always hear [their dad's] voice on some kind of a little cartoon. I mean it's just a really neat thing and I'm just very blessed and thankful that they asked me to do it.
While Cars 2 still isn't regarded too highly among Pixar fans, the third instalment somewhat managed to recover the franchise. While we're sure that fans would welcome Mater back with open arms; shortly before the release of Toy Story 4, back in 2019, producer Mark Nielsen explained that Pixar will be moving away from sequels from thereon out.