In Brief
A young animator, Ariya Alexander Berenji, is developing a 3D fan film titled KING, serving as an unofficial prequel to Pixar’s Cars universe. The project draws heavily on NASCAR legends and stands out for its highly detailed 3D models and numerous nods to iconic drivers. KING focuses on telling the youth of Strip Weathers, known as The King, weaving together authentic references and influences from American motorsport. Entirely powered by a team of fans, the movie will be released for free on YouTube, aiming at both Pixar enthusiasts and race fans.
And what if the next Cars story didn’t come from Pixar, but from a YouTube animator? Released in 2006, the first Cars movie already paid a strong tribute to NASCAR history. For example, Richard Petty lent his voice to Strip Weathers, aka The King. The character was directly inspired by his famous blue Plymouth Superbird race car. This link between animated cinema and real legends of the American oval has never stopped there.
Ariya Alexander Berenji, an animator and aspiring director, is now developing a Cars fan film. This project serves as an unofficial prequel to Pixar’s feature. Named KING, the 3D short is expected to run about twenty-five minutes. The story is set more than twenty years before the action of Cars. It will tell how Strip Weathers, still far from his Dinoco champion status, became The King. All rests on highly precise 3D models modeled after several icons of American NASCAR. And looking at the first images published on the YouTube channel R-ya Productions, one quickly understands one thing: KING wants to play in the big leagues, with a level of detail worthy of real race tracks.
Very NASCAR‑style 3D Models for this Cars Prequel
The starting point of KING remains Strip Weathers, an up-and-coming talent not yet crowned. The plot follows him at his beginnings, long before his Dinoco legend status was established in the 2006 film. To mark this difference, Ariya Alexander Berenji gives him a blue-and-orange livery. It recalls the famous Petty Blue and STP Orange duo used by Richard Petty later in his career. The film applies the same logic to the other protagonists. The 3D models accumulate nods to the sport’s most famous cars.
One character thus takes on the silhouette and stance of Dale Earnhardt. He wears the number three and a sleek, black bodywork that fans will instantly recognize. The era’s sponsor, Goodwrench, makes way for a fictional Sidewall Shine, in keeping with the Cars universe’s humor. The young Chick Hicks, future antagonist of the first film, no longer wears his famous green livery. He is reimagined here as inspired by Bill Elliott’s No. 9 Coors Ford Thunderbird. The new livery features a deep red enhanced with gold accents typical of the 1980s.
KING, a 3D Cars fan film rooted in the 1980s and powered by a community
Alongside Strip Weathers and Chick Hicks, Ariya Alexander Berenji conceived an original character, Toni Jo Torque. Nicknamed The Queen, this race car is described as a five-time champion and a mentor to the two young rivals. Her design blends stock-car and Porsche 935 elements. The decoration borrows the colors of Shawna Robinson, Danica Patrick and Toni Breidinger, three well-known figures to viewers. Once again, every detail is crafted to echo real female racing careers in American motorsport. Yet the rendering remains fully coherent with Cars’ aesthetic.
The action of KING takes place in the eighties, a period treated here with a true sense of atmosphere. Copper Canyon Speedway, already seen in Cars 3, appears again. The film also features a retro bowling alley and a glacier that serves “frozen coolant”—a coolant-based ice, a nod to the everyday life of cars in this universe. Behind the scenes, KING remains a fan project. A small team recruits modelers, texture artists, lighting specialists and 3D animators. A voice cast was organized online for both main and supporting roles. Once completed, this short film will be uploaded for free on YouTube, with no advertising. A project designed to speak to both Pixar fans and American motorsport enthusiasts.
The Essential Takeaways
- KING is a 3D fan short film serving as an unofficial prequel to Cars.
- The project traces the youth of Strip Weathers, the future The King.
- The visual universe closely mirrors 1980s NASCAR and its legends.
- Several characters are drawn from famous drivers and cars, and a new female character debuts.
- The production mobilizes a fan-led team for design, animation and voices.
- Distribution will be free on YouTube, appealing to Cars fans and American auto racing enthusiasts.
FAQ
What is the KING fan film about in the Cars universe?
KING is an unofficial prequel to Cars that explores the youth of Strip Weathers, long before he becomes the legendary The King.
Who is making KING and where will it be released?
The project is led by Ariya Alexander Berenji and will be released free on YouTube.
What are the main inspirations for the characters and cars?
The film draws from real NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott, with liveries and designs inspired by their iconic cars.
Are there new characters in KING?
Yes, Toni Jo Torque, nicknamed The Queen, is a new character blending several feminine racing influences.
What is the visual and artistic goal of KING?
The short aims for a high level of detail, faithful to Cars’ aesthetic, incorporating many nods to 1980s NASCAR history and ambiance.
