Owen Wilson discusses Disney chasing perfect Ka-Chow for Cars as he reflects on voicing Lightning McQueen nearly two decades after the original movie’s release, revealing that the quest for the ideal catchphrase continues. The actor shared insights during an interview, showing how Disney and Pixar have sought to keep the energy and character of Lightning McQueen vibrant, even as the franchise expands.
Owen Wilson Recounts the Enduring Search for the Ultimate “Ka-Chow”
Owen Wilson, who brought Lightning McQueen to life for Pixar’s Cars franchise, recently spoke about his unexpected journey with the character. Throughout the years since Cars debuted in 2006, Wilson has revisited the iconic role multiple times, not just for sequels but for new projects and recordings. During a conversation about his work, Wilson noted the surprising longevity of Lightning McQueen’s appeal, mentioning a recent recording session where the hunt for “the perfect Ka-Chow” was still ongoing.
He detailed,
“Of course, I could never have imagined that it would continue on the way it has. Just a week ago, I was recording something. They’re doing something with Lightning McQueen that I went in for and found myself saying, ‘Ka-Chow.’ I asked them, ‘There must be a bank of Ka-Chows that you have at this point.’ The idea that, 20 years in, I’m going to have a different Ka-Chow than I’ve already said, but I guess they’re still looking for that perfect Ka-Chow. They’re chasing it.”
—Owen Wilson, Actor
This persistence in perfecting Lightning McQueen’s trademark phrase highlights Disney’s dedication to keeping the character fresh for each new installment or project. The phrase “Ka-Chow” has become more than just a line—it’s a symbol for the character, and Disney’s attention to it reflects how invested the studio is in keeping the franchise’s spirit alive.
The Story and Success of Cars
In Pixar’s Cars, audiences are introduced to Lightning McQueen, a confident rookie competing for the Piston Cup. After finding himself stranded, Lightning winds up in Radiator Springs, a quiet town that teaches him humility and connection—echoing the classic
“big city guy gets humbled by the people of a small town”
narrative. Owen Wilson voices Lightning, with an ensemble cast that includes Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, Bonnie Hunt as Sally, and Larry the Cable Guy as Tow Mater.
The franchise’s appeal led to two sequels: Cars 2 and Cars 3. Along the way, fans have enjoyed animated series and several Pixar shorts extending the adventures of Lightning and his friends. The world of Cars even inspired a 2013 spin-off, Planes, which followed airborne characters and resulted in its own follow-up movie. All these releases, including Planes spin-offs, have collectively made about $1.7 billion globally, placing Cars among Pixar’s most profitable franchises.
Possibility of a Cars 4 and Franchise Continuation
Despite its age, Cars remains a relevant and lucrative property for Disney and Pixar. At D23 Brazil, fans were recently surveyed about their interest in future projects, and Cars 4 appeared as one of the options, suggesting studio executives are at least open to the idea. While there is no official development or announcement regarding Cars 4, the listing on the survey keeps possibilities alive for Lightning McQueen and his world.
The voice cast—including key entities like Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Paul Newman as Doc Hudson, Bonnie Hunt as Sally, and Larry the Cable Guy as Tow Mater—has been central to the franchise’s appeal, providing recognizable personalities to this technologically driven universe. The continued recording sessions and efforts to capture the right “Ka-Chow” speak to the commitment of both the actors and the studio.
Watching the Franchise and Looking Forward
Currently, fans can stream the Cars trilogy on Disney+, giving new generations a chance to meet Lightning McQueen and his friends in Radiator Springs. Meanwhile, Owen Wilson’s latest work can be seen on Apple TV+ in his series Stick. As Disney and Pixar keep up their quest for the ideal Ka-Chow, the enduring legacy of Cars is clear, promising more creative possibilities and perhaps another installment on the horizon.
