While opinions on the Cars franchise vary widely, its status as a classic remains unchallenged. This series exemplifies Pixar’s innovative storytelling approach, particularly their penchant for the “What if X had feelings?”concept. As one of the pioneering films in this niche, the Cars movies present a unique universe governed not by humans, but by sentient vehicles. Nonetheless, the franchise has sparked considerable debate among audiences. For example, while some regard Cars 2 as an underrated gem, it notably marked Pixar’s first departure from its string of Oscar nominations.
The internal logic of the Cars universe also raises numerous questions, even causing confusion among the voice actors themselves. Observers frequently find it challenging to enjoy the films without contemplating the peculiarities of this world. Notably, there are sidewalks devoid of pedestrians, suggesting a past human presence that the story seems to disregard. This inconsistency invites speculation about the history of humanity within the Cars narrative.
Creative Director Jay Ward’s Hypothesis on Humanity’s Presence in the Cars Universe
The Drivers’ Influence on Cars’ Personalities
Creative director Jay Ward posits that the Cars may represent an evolution of modern self-driving technology. His theory suggests that vehicles have evolved beyond their human creators, having outgrown the need for them. He states:
“Imagine in the near-future when the cars keep getting smarter and smarter and after one day they just go, ‘Why do we need human beings anymore? They’re just slowing us down. It’s just extra weight, let’s get rid of them.’ But the car takes on the personality of the last person who drove it.”
Although this perspective isn’t officially recognized as canon, it provides a possible explanation for the world’s familiar yet ambiguous backdrop. Ward’s theory implies that the cars were initially crafted by humans but have since transcended their creators. He suggests the traits of the cars’ personalities derive from their former drivers, which could explain some inconsistencies in the narrative.
This raises a compelling question: how did automobiles become the sole sentient beings? It’s plausible that humanity once placed a strong emphasis on transportation technology, leading to its advancement over other fields.
The Dark Implications of Sentient Vehicles
Could Cars Be the Catalyst of Humanity’s Extinction?
Ward’s theory significantly deepens the franchise’s narrative, proposing that some main characters or their ancestors may have eradicated the human race. The uncertainty surrounding this possibility amplifies the intrigue—one might wonder how long ago this catastrophic event transpired. The implication is that even the heroes we root for could embody the personalities of their original human drivers.
If indeed the cars chose to eliminate humanity upon gaining sentience, this adds a chilling dimension. The Cars universe becomes not merely a dystopian future devoid of human life, but a society rising from the ruins left by their creators. Ward’s observation that cars’ sentience may have culminated in a collective decision to dispose of humans introduces a layer of horror absent from the films’ playful exterior.
Interestingly, some dates featured in the Cars films suggest sentience dates back to the 20th century. If cars became sentient with the advent of self-driving technology, the memories they recall are not their own but those of the drivers they once had—adding another layer of darkness to the narrative, intertwining the erasure of humanity with the absorption of their identities.
Skepticism Towards the Human Element in the Cars Universe
The Cars Universe: A Realm Exclusively for Vehicles?
Despite Ward’s compelling arguments, there are valid reasons to doubt the existence of humans in the Cars universe. Such notions introduce a variety of plot holes; for instance, the movies imply that sentient cars could have been around long before human cars. For example, a portrait of a car-like king exists, and there are scenes where the cars experience other Pixar films, paradoxically suggesting a level of cultural creation absent from humanity.
While it’s conceivable that the Cars could be rewriting history to erase humanity, it seems more reasonable to conclude that the universe is solely populated by cars from the beginning. This interpretation allows for the rich narrative of Cars to coexist without the complexities that would arise from once existing humans.
Nonetheless, Ward’s theory is not entirely without merit; it might be possibile that the demise of humanity led to ecological shifts, leaving behind remnants that finally transitioned into the Car-centric world. However, the simplest explanation remains that Cars operates within an alternate universe, where many human-like occurrences have transpired due to the independent actions of sentient automobiles.
The Challenge of Integrating Cars into the Pixar Universe
Humans and Their Legacy in the Pixar Universe
The Pixar theory, which has long been a topic of discussion among enthusiasts, attempts to connect various Pixar films. Even as newer releases like Luca and Elemental expand this narrative, Cars remains one of the most challenging entries to integrate. While Pixar adeptly crafts stories featuring non-human protagonists, the existence of humanity in other films necessitates that Cars also reflect a human past.
This requirement indicates that cars evolving from living creatures must be a relatively recent shift in this universe. Ultimately, whether or not humanity ever existed in the Cars world, the franchise boldly embraces its concept. This focused vehicle-centric universe adds complexity to its connection within the broader Pixar theory, as remnants of human history exist solely as traces of what may have been.
Source: Screen Crush