Cars 2 was the first Pixar Cars film to feature Mater as an international spy.
In the film, Mater is mistaken for an American intelligence agent after meeting Finn McMissile, a British spy car. His accidental involvement drives the espionage plot alongside Lightning McQueen’s participation in the World Grand Prix.
This role is a major shift from the first Cars, where Mater is Radiator Springs’ friendly tow truck and Lightning’s comic companion. Cars 3 returns to a more racing-centered story and does not make Mater an international secret agent.
Cars 2 was released in 2011 and directed by John Lasseter. The film’s spy premise drew on James Bond-style adventure conventions, including exotic locations, covert missions, gadgets, and a villainous conspiracy.