Released in 2011, Cars 2 took Lightning McQueen and Mater on a global adventure, revving up the action and introducing a whole new cast of international characters. 

This sequel to the beloved Pixar film expanded the Cars universe, bringing a wave of new voices and personalities to the silver screen.

For fans who want to know more about the voices behind the chrome and the windshields, this article delves into the cast of Cars 2, exploring their careers, iconic roles, and the unique personalities they brought to the world of Radiator Springs.

The Familiar Faces: Back on the Radiator Springs Track

Owen Wilson (Lightning McQueen):  

Reprising his role from the first film, Owen Wilson lends his signature charm and voice to the ambitious race car, Lightning McQueen.  Wilson’s portrayal captures McQueen’s competitive spirit, growth, and blossoming friendship with Mater.

Larry the Cable Guy (Mater):  

The ever-enthusiastic tow truck, Mater, is voiced by the recognizable tones of Larry the Cable Guy.  His southern drawl and comedic timing breathe life into Mater’s quirky personality and unwavering loyalty.

Bonnie Hunt (Sally Carrera):  

The beautiful and intelligent Porsche, Sally Carrera, is voiced by Bonnie Hunt.  Hunt brings warmth and sophistication to Sally, who acts as McQueen’s voice of reason and a pillar of the Radiator Springs community.

Cheech Marin (Ramone):  

The lowrider maestro, Ramone, gets his signature voice from Cheech Marin.  Marin’s portrayal injects humor and a touch of street cred to the resident paint specialist of Radiator Springs.

Tony Shalhoub (Luigi):  

The excitable Italian tire expert, Luigi, is voiced by Tony Shalhoub.  Shalhoub’s performance perfectly captures Luigi’s passion for racing and his endearing broken English.

These returning characters provided a sense of familiarity for fans, while the new cast brought a fresh wave of excitement to the story.

Gearing Up for Adventure: Newcomers on the World Stage

Michael Caine (Finn McMissile):  

The suave and sophisticated British spy car, Finn McMissile, is voiced by the legendary Michael Caine.  Caine’s iconic voice and acting prowess add a layer of elegance and intrigue to the character.

Emily Mortimer (Holley Shiftwell):  

Finn McMissile’s tech-savvy rookie partner, Holley Shiftwell, is voiced by Emily Mortimer.  Mortimer brings intelligence and charm to Holley, showcasing her determination to prove herself in the world of espionage.

John Turturro (Francesco Bernoulli):  

Lightning McQueen’s arrogant and flamboyant Italian rival, Francesco Bernoulli, is voiced by John Turturro.  Turturro’s portrayal perfectly captures Francesco’s boastful personality and cutthroat racing tactics.

Eddie Izzard (Sir Miles Axlerod):  

The seemingly benevolent organizer of the World Grand Prix, Sir Miles Axlerod, is voiced by Eddie Izzard.  Izzard’s performance adds a layer of mystery and underlying darkness to the character, who ultimately turns out to be the villain.

Jason Isaacs (Professor Z):  

The nefarious lemon mastermind behind the Allinol fuel conspiracy, Professor Z, is voiced by Jason Isaacs.  Isaacs injects a sense of menace and cunning into the character, making him a worthy adversary for Finn McMissile and Mater.

These new additions to the cast brought international flair and diverse personalities to the Cars 2 narrative.

Beyond the Windshield: A Look at the Voice Acting Talent

The cast of Cars 2 boasts a collection of talented actors and voice-over artists with impressive resumes:

Owen Wilson:  

A household name, Owen Wilson is known for his comedic roles in films like “Zoolander” and “Wedding Crashers.”  His voice acting work extends beyond Cars,  including films like “Kung Fu Panda.”

Larry the Cable Guy:  

A renowned stand-up comedian, Larry the Cable Guy’s distinctive voice and comedic timing have made him a popular choice for voice acting.  He has lent his voice to other animated films like “Cars” and “Cars 3.”

Michael Caine:  

A true acting legend, Michael Caine boasts a decorated career with Academy Award nominations.  His voice acting credits include “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride” and “Dungeons & Dragons.”

Emily Mortimer:  

A versatile actress, Emily Mortimer has starred in films like “The Pink Panther” and “Mary Poppins Returns.”  Her voice acting work includes “Pink Panther 2” and “Hippie Hippie Shake.”

FAQs

Who voices Lightning McQueen in Cars 2?

Owen Wilson returns to lend his voice to the charismatic race car, Lightning McQueen.

Who is the new character introduced in Cars 2?

The charming British tow truck, Mater, takes center stage in Cars 2, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy.

Who is the villain in Cars 2?

Professor Zündapp, a sinister German scientist voiced by Thomas Kretschmann, serves as the film’s main antagonist.

Who is the international spy in Cars 2?

The sophisticated Finn McMissile, voiced by Michael Caine, is a British secret agent who befriends Mater.

Does Mater become a spy in Cars 2?

Mistaken for a secret agent, Mater gets caught up in the international espionage plot, leading to hilarious situations.

Who is Finn McMissile’s teammate?

Holley Shiftwell, a young and enthusiastic British field agent voiced by Emily Mortimer, assists Finn McMissile in their missions.

Who voices Francesco Bernoulli in Cars 2?

Francesco Bernoulli, Lightning McQueen’s arrogant Italian rival racer, is voiced by John Turturro.

Who is the eccentric billionaire in Cars 2?

Sir Miles Axlerod, the charming but villainous electric car tycoon, is voiced by Eddie Izzard.

Who is the announcer for the World Grand Prix?

The legendary announcer, Brent Mustangburger, voiced by Brent Musburger himself, returns to provide commentary for the thrilling races.

Who voices Mater’s best friend, Sheriff in Cars 2?

Paul Dooley reprises his role as Sheriff, the wise and dependable police car of Radiator Springs.

Who is the friendly Italian tow truck Mater meets in Porto Corsa?

Luigi, the warm-hearted owner of Luigi’s Casa Della Tires, is voiced by Tony Shalhoub.

Does Red, the fire truck, have any lines in Cars 2?

While Red, voiced by Joe Ranft (who passed away in 2005), makes an appearance, he doesn’t have any dialogue in Cars 2.

Who is the nervous airplane Mater encounters at the World Grand Prix?

David Hobbscap, voiced by David Hobbs, is a nervous airplane tasked with transporting race fuel.

Who voices the colorful lemons that work for Professor Zündapp?

The nefarious lemon cars are voiced by a variety of actors, including Vanessa Lee Chester and Jeff Gordon (yes, the famous NASCAR driver!)

Was there a real-life inspiration for any of the characters in Cars 2?

While the characters are fictional, some might share visual similarities with real-world car models or racing personalities.

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