In the upcoming Cars 3, Nathan Fillion lends his voice to Sterling, a suave chief executive coupe who becomes the new sponsor of Lighting McQueen.
Today, EW released a few additional details on this brilliant business car. After purchasing the humble Rust-Eze Racing Center, Sterling (who is a marketing genius) transforms it into a state-of-the-art training facility.
Fillion points out that Sterling’s charm is what helps him build the Rust-eze empire, “He’s business first, but knows that business is also about relationships.” Like the relationship with Lighting McQueen when he first visits the new Rust-Eze Racing Center, it is Sterling who wants to catapult him back to the top of the racers – however, Lighting must learn to abide by the new rules of modern racing.
Cars 3 Director, Brian Fee noted, “I think of Sterling as a ten-thousand-dollar suit. He’s not a giant man that comes into a room and holds court and demands everybody kiss his ring. He’s not that kind of leader. He’s down-to-earth and charming and the exact person you figure should be running this company. He’s the kind of guy that makes you think, hey, I could have a beer with this guy. Or a quart of oil.”
The filmmakers of Cars 3 wanted Sterling’s design to be classic and timeless, as the team looked at various European cars from the 1960’s – reminding us of Finn McMissile’s sporty and confident design.
While Lightning McQueen has aged throughout the Cars series, director Brian Fee noted that both Sterling and Lightning McQueen are about the same age, “…but a businessman’s expiration date never really comes if he’s good”. While Sterling is at the top of his game, McQueen’s best days may be behind him.
What do you think of the new details surrounding Sterling? Share your thoughts with other Pixar fans in the Pixar Post Forum or in the comment section below.
Cars 3 hits theaters on June 16, 2017.
