<\/a>It may just be time to say our final goodbye to the dearly beloved Cars<\/a> character Doc Hudson.<\/p>\n

As you may remember, Paul Newman<\/a>, the legendary actor who portrayed Pixar’s rendition of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, passed away<\/a> in 2008 after a long battle with lung cancer. A great deal of speculation over whether or not we’d see Doc in the upcoming Cars 2 has been discussed<\/a> in the time between the star’s diagnosis and now. Today, it finally seems we have somewhat of an answer courtesy of Mater himself.<\/p>\n

According to a Cable Guy interview in The Whig Standard<\/em><\/a>, a past incarnation of the sequel’s screenplay prominently featured Doc. This was prior to Newman’s death, presumably at the same time John Lasseter publicly expressed<\/a> that the popular character would return — then tragedy struck. After contemplating using a replacement voice, Pixar finally decided they’d let the character go out of respect for Mr. Newman. "They’ll have some storyline to where he’s moved on or something," said Larry the Cable Guy in the recent interview. The comedian, who will portray Lightning’s new crew chief in the sequel, added that the 2011 film will surely have a tribute to the deceased star. <\/p>\n

I’m still curious as to how the filmmakers will smoothly transition the Radiator Springs staple off screen. Maybe they’ll mirror the ’51 Hornet’s premature retirement in the first film, where Paul Newman will live on. Seeing as it’s Pixar, anything goes, but one thing is for sure, it’ll be good. Hopefully the studio and\/or director Brad Lewis will release an official statement soon. <\/p>\n

Keep checking back for developments on this story. In the meantime, let us know how you feel about the apparent decision to retire ol’ Doc?<\/p>\n

(via <\/em>The Whig Standard<\/em><\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"