Mater becomes a spy by mistake in Pixar’s Cars 2.
Mater is Lightning McQueen’s tow-truck friend from Radiator Springs. During the World Grand Prix, his unusual behavior and accidental observations lead British agents to believe that he is an undercover operative. He is then drawn into a mission involving a criminal plot and the mysterious Allinol fuel.
The misunderstanding is central to Cars 2’s comedy. Mater does not possess formal spy training, but his honesty, curiosity, and willingness to help allow him to uncover information that trained agents miss. His role also moves him from comic sidekick to the film’s main viewpoint character.
Mater’s voice was performed by comedian Larry the Cable Guy. The character first appeared in Cars, where he befriends McQueen and helps him understand Radiator Springs. Mater remains a major character in Cars 3 and in the animated series Mater’s Tall Tales.