Cars 3

The ending of Cars 3 sees Lightning McQueen facing a tough competition in his first race after a major crash that almost ended his racing career. Throughout the film, McQueen struggles with aging and the rise of new, younger racers like Cruz Ramirez, who is initially seen as an understudy but eventually becomes a key figure in his journey. As the final race unfolds, there is internal debate among the filmmakers about who should win, with some early drafts suggesting McQueen might be victorious, while others leaned toward Cruz or a different outcome. Ultimately, the filmmakers decided to have McQueen lose the race but find a new purpose. Instead of winning, McQueen realizes that his role is no longer about being the fastest on the track but about mentoring the next generation.

During the climax, McQueen and Cruz develop a mentor-mentee relationship that pushes him to step back from his competitive edge and embrace a new role in racing and life. This change signifies personal growth and a move toward a more meaningful contribution beyond just winning races. The film ends with McQueen supporting Cruz as she prepares to race for herself, symbolizing that his true legacy is about passing on his wisdom. The movie also includes a nod to the franchise’s roots with a brief appearance of Doc Hudson, which serves as a nostalgic reminder of McQueen’s origins. Overall, the ending emphasizes themes of mentorship, renewal, and the importance of evolving beyond one’s past successes to find new purpose. The filmmakers initially considered different endings and had to cut some scenes that included a tribute to Paul Newman, but what ultimately made it into the film celebrated McQueen’s transition from a competitive racer to a mentor and leader in the racing community.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57