Lightning McQueen ‘Cars’ popcorn bucket now on sale for 20th anniversary
Lightning McQueen is racing back to movie theaters — and now he has his own popcorn bucket for the occasion.
Cinemark has revealed two new Disney and Pixar “Cars” popcorn buckets celebrating the movie’s 20th anniversary, including a collectible shaped like Lightning McQueen himself.
The new merchandise arrives just as tickets go on sale for the original “Cars” to return to theaters beginning Sept. 4, 2026.
Lightning McQueen ‘Cars’ popcorn bucket
The standout collectible turns Lightning McQueen into an 85-ounce popcorn container, complete with his familiar red race-car design and No. 95.
Cinemark lists the plastic Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket for $49.95. It is officially licensed for the “Cars” 20th anniversary and is available through the Cinemark online shop, with purchases limited to three per customer.
Courtesy of Cinemark
Important note: the Lightning McQueen bucket is expected to sell out.
Cinemark has also released a second “Cars” collectible for $29.95. The 130-ounce metal popcorn tin features Lightning McQueen and Mater on its character lid. That item is also limited to three per customer.
Courtesy of Cinemark
‘Cars’ returns to theaters Sept. 4
The merchandise reveal comes as Disney and Pixar prepare to bring the original “Cars” back to the big screen for its 20th anniversary.
Tickets went on sale Aug. 24 for screenings beginning Sept. 4, 2026, which leads into Lightning McQueen Day on Sept. 5 (9/5) celebrating the character’s famous race number.
Released in 2006, “Cars” introduced audiences to Lightning McQueen, Mater, Sally, Doc Hudson and the residents of Radiator Springs. The movie features Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, Bonnie Hunt as Sally and Paul Newman as Doc Hudson.
The theatrical re-release is one piece of a yearlong 20th anniversary celebration that has extended into motorsports, museums, games and other special events.
And even more “Cars” fun pulls into Magic Kingdom in the near future.
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