Dane Cook to lead the voice cast of Disney’s Planes, the spin-off of, what else, Cars

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

The Disney spin-off of CARS, the aptly titled PLANES, which was once to be a direct-to-DVD affair, is now getting a theatrical release (in 3D, no less) and today it was announced that Dane Cook will lead the voice cast, starring as Dusty, a small-engine plane competing in, what else, a race.  Cook is the latest actor up for the role, which was once rumored to have been Jon Cryer or Jesse Eisenberg.

We also have a look at the teaser trailer for the film, which was teased last year, but quicky removed by the studio, while they figured out just what the hell they were going to do with the movie.  Either way, the TOP GUN-esque teaser is complete with a little White Zombie to crank up the action and features a voice that is likely not Dane Cook.  PLANES is directed by Disneytoon Studios veteran and aviation enthusiast Klay Hall who had nothing but good things to say about the casting of Cook:

“Dane Cook brings unmatched charisma and brilliant comedic timing and instincts to the character. He gives Dusty a great edge.”

Here’s the synopsis:

The all-new story offers an exciting cast of characters and centers on Dusty’s high-flying dream. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing, so he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.

Meh.  There’s certainly potential that this could be fun, but really it just feels like more of the same.  Underdog talking vehicle competes in a race to overcome his own self doubt and internal conflict to find his true calling in life.  I mean, Dreamworks is giving us the exact same thing, only with a snail with the Ryan Reynolds-led TURBO this summer.  We are beating our kids over the head with the whole “life is a race” theme.

PLANES is slated to hit on