In Pixar’s Cars 2, Mater is recruited to act as a spy during the international race tour.
Mater becomes involved after he is mistaken for an experienced American agent by British spies Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. His accidental involvement turns the story into a spy adventure alongside the World Grand Prix, rather than a straightforward racing sequel.
Mater’s clumsy behavior is initially treated as evidence of a secret undercover identity. Although he does not have formal spy training, his honesty and unusual actions help uncover the plot involving Allinol, a supposedly clean alternative fuel and the weaponized cameras used by the villains.
Cars 2 shifts much of its attention away from Radiator Springs and toward locations in Japan, Italy, and England. Lightning McQueen remains the racer at the center of the World Grand Prix, but Mater is the film’s main viewpoint character. The phrase “secret agent” describes the role, while “spy” is the concise occupation he is recruited to perform.