The Cancelled Pixar Cars Spin-Off You Never Knew Existed | METRO

Summary

This video explores the canceled Cars spin-off film, Metro, which would have taken the franchise in a darker, more mature direction. It delves into the concept art, inspirations, and reasons behind its eventual cancellation.

Highlights

The Unexpected Expansion of the Cars Universe00:00:00

The Cars universe, known for its family-friendly aesthetic, almost introduced its darkest film ever titled 'Metro'. Despite Cars not being Pixar's most critically acclaimed film, its massive commercial success through merchandise sales led to Disney's decision to expand the franchise. This expansion began with 'Planes', and plans for 'Boats' and 'Trucks' were also in development.

Introducing 'Metro': A Darker Spin-Off00:01:22

The next major project planned for the franchise was 'Metro', a film centered around trains and underground city systems. Unlike 'Cars' and 'Planes', 'Metro' was set to have a completely different tone and visual style. Produced by DisneyToon Studios, it was intended to explore the hustle and bustle of New York City's metro system.

Inspired by Gritty 70s and 80s Cinema00:02:13

Steve Loter, one of the co-directors, described 'Metro' as a cross between a Walter Hill film from the 70s and a Scorsese film from the 80s, possibly 'The Warriors' and 'After Hours'. The concept art reveals a gritty, urban aesthetic with heavy shadows and industrial lighting, suggesting a crime thriller vibe, far removed from the usual Cars franchise's bright imagery.

Changing the Logic of the Cars Universe00:03:33

The film's concept of trains, completely bound to tracks, would have significantly altered the logic of the Cars universe, which typically features vehicles free to move. Another interesting aspect was the intention for the film to unfold in real-time, focusing on a self-contained story of a train character navigating the plot.

Cancellation and Legacy00:04:19

After four years in development, 'Metro' was ultimately scrapped following the shutdown of DisneyToon Studios in 2018. Despite its cancellation, 'Metro' remains a fascinating glimpse into a potentially polarizing but creatively unique film, not just within the Cars universe, but in Disney animation as a whole. Its dark themes and artistic direction could have opened new avenues for the franchise.