During today’s Walt Disney Showcase, John Lasseter revealed that the release date for Cars 2 will be pushed forward to Summer 2011, from the previous 2012 release date.

Mr. Lasseter also revealed plot details and how the idea came to him while traveling the world doing publicity for the original Cars. He wondered how Lightning McQueen, Mater and the rest of the gang would react to other countries and the foreign vehicles that inhabit them.

The sequel will answer such a question as Lightning McQueen and Mater go on a worldwide trip where they will no-doubt meet many new friends — all of which you will be able to buy at a toy store near you, just in time for the Holidays! After all, we all know that’s the only reason Pixar is doing another sequel. The original was a HUGE merchandising hit for Disney with products repeatedly selling out.

Also announced was a series of short Cars cartoons cleverly (not really) titled Car-toons… get it? Car…toons… Yea, they didn’t even try. The shorts will air on the Disney Channel and maybe even in theaters before other Disney films.

Discuss: What do you think? Is Cars 2 just an attempt to cash in on merchandising? What other Pixar film do you think would have been a better choice for a sequel? Post your comments and discuss with other readers.

Via Slashfilm

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