ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disney Branded Television has announced an exciting slate of new preschool programming, including Cars: Lightning Racers and Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends, set to debut in 2027. The reveal was made by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, during the “Disney Jr. Let’s Play!” fan celebration at Disney California Adventure Park, with additional festivities in Downtown Disney District.
Cars: Lightning Racers — A New Chapter in Radiator Springs
Inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning Cars franchise, Cars: Lightning Racers will bring Lightning McQueen back for high-speed adventures alongside Mater, Luigi, Ramone, Chick Hicks, and Mack. Original cast members Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Bob Peterson, and John Ratzenberger will reprise their roles. New voices include Leah Lewis as thrill-seeking drag car Pipes, Yuri Lowenthal as mud-loving monster truck Miles, and Sheryl Lee Ralph as newcomer Ms. Blinker.
Produced by Disney Television Animation with Pixar, the series is executive produced by Travis Braun and Frank Montagna, with Dana Starfield as story editor and Nathan Chew as supervising director. The show will debut on Disney Jr. before streaming on Disney+.
Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends — Preschool Heroes Assemble
Marking the first-ever preschool-focused Avengers series, Marvel’s Avengers: Mightiest Friends will feature kid versions of Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Black Panther, Black Widow, and Thor. The series follows the young Avengers as they learn teamwork and heroism while battling “Super Baddies.”
Produced by Disney Jr. and Marvel Studios with Atomic Cartoons, the show’s executive producers include Sean Coyle, Bart Jennett, and Harrison Wilcox. The series evolves from Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends, premiering Aug. 11, 2025, on Disney Jr. and the following day on Disney+.
First Look at Marvel’s Spidey and Iron Man: Avengers Team Up!
Fans also got a sneak peek at new Marvel’s Spidey and Iron Man specials, further expanding Marvel storytelling for the preschool audience.
Two New 22-Minute Specials will Debut
Special #1 premieres Oct. 16 on Disney Jr., next day on Disney+
Special #2 premieres 2026 on Disney Jr., then Disney+
Expanding the Disney Jr. Universe
“Disney Jr. is where preschool magic begins,” said Davis. “Today’s announcements build on that leadership, expanding the worlds kids already love and introducing new multiplatform stories that will capture the hearts of the next generation.”
With these launches, Disney Jr. continues to strengthen its lineup of beloved characters and adventures designed to connect with children and families around the globe.
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