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Doc Hudson
Fictional character from Cars franchise From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Doc Hudson (also known as The Fabulous Hudson Hornet) is a fictional anthropomorphic 1951 Hudson Hornet and a major character in the Disney/Pixar Cars franchise. He is a retired, once-famous piston cup race car who vanished from the racing world after a career-ending accident. In his later life, he serves as the town doctor and judge of Radiator Springs, a small, forgotten town along U.S. Route 66 and mentors Lightning McQueen.
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Development
Doc Hudson was inspired by the real-life 1951 Hudson Hornet, a dominant force in early NASCAR racing and how he got the number 51. More specifically, he was based on Herb Thomas, a two-time NASCAR Grand National Series champion, and Marshall Teague. These drivers drove the Fabulous Hudson Hornet to great success causing the Hudson Hornet to become iconic.[1] Teague's partnership with Smokey Yunick caused Yunick to be the inspiration for Smokey in Cars 3,[2] and the Fabulous Hudson Hornet livery was the main inspiration for Doc Hudson's livery. Doc's blue eyes are reflective of his voice actor, Paul Newman.[3] To make sure Doc Hudson was accurate, Pixar worked with many real-life Hudson's taking hundreds of images and recording the exhaust of the Hudson Hornet for the movie.[4]
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Appearances
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Cars (2006)
Doc Hudson is introduced as the seemingly stern and traditional town doctor and judge of Radiator Springs. When Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car, accidentally damages the town's main road, Sally Carrera persuades Doc to sentence McQueen to repair it. Initially, Doc is dismissive of Lightning's modern racing style and arrogant attitude. However, it is gradually revealed that Doc himself was once "The Fabulous Hudson Hornet," a three-time Piston Cup champion who suffered a career-ending crash and subsequently retired from racing, disillusioned by the sport. He harbours a deep resentment towards his past and the world of professional racing. Throughout the film, Doc reluctantly begins to mentor Lightning, teaching him valuable lessons about humility, respect, and the importance of teamwork. He eventually reveals his true identity to Lightning and, with the help of the other Radiator Springs residents, helps Lightning realise that winning isn't everything. Doc ultimately becomes Lightning's crew chief for the final Piston Cup race, showcasing his immense knowledge and strategic brilliance. His character arc involves coming to terms with his past and finding renewed purpose through his connection with Lightning.[5]
Cars 2 (2011)
Doc Hudson was left out of Cars 2, which was released in 2011, 3 years after the passing of Paul Newman. The creators chose to respectfully leave out Doc Hudson instead of recasting with the director John Lasster saying that “Doc Hudson was Paul Newman”.[6] Leaving Hudson out changed the trajectory of the Cars universe and Doc Hudson's character. Within the movie, the Piston Cup, which Hudson won three times back-to-back, was renamed Hudson Hornet Memorial Piston Cup.[7]
Cars 3 (2017)
Doc Hudson's presence is still felt in Cars 3 through archive audio recordings of Newman's lines from the first film and unreleased takes.[7] Newman loved the first film; therefore, his family were "thrilled" to approve the use of archival recordings for Cars 3.[8] The film explores Lightning McQueen's struggles with an ageing career and the emergence of new, technologically advanced racers. Doc's wisdom and past advice serve as a guiding force for Lightning as he grapples with the possibility of retirement. Flashbacks show Doc training a young Lightning, and his philosophy about racing and life continues to influence Lightning's decisions.[9] At the end of the film, McQueen dons the Fabulous Hudson Hornet livery in a race against Cruz Ramirez at the Radiator Springs dirt track, similar to Lightning and Doc in the first film.[10] Doc initially had a larger role in the film with additional lines from a sound-alike actor however, this was cut to not detract from the central story.[11] One of the scenes cut showed Doc Hudson's death on screen after a drive with Lightning.[12]
Other appearances
Paul Newman reprised his role in the 2006 short film Mater and the Ghostlight.[13] Doc appears in several Cars video games. In the game of the same name, Paul Newman reprised his role.[14] However, Corey Burton voiced Doc Hudson in games such as Cars Race-O-Rama and Cars Mater-National Championship. Burton also reprises his role for the theme park attraction Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land.[15][16] Hudson was also referenced in Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy.[17] A supposed easter egg of Doc Hudson can be found in The Incredibles.[18][19]
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Reception
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Critical Reception
Doc Hudson was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.[20][21][22] Paul Newman's performance was particularly lauded, with many considering it one of his finest voice acting roles.[23] The character's stoicism, wisdom, and underlying warmth made him a beloved figure[24][4] His backstory, a tale of triumph, loss, and redemption, added significant emotional depth to the film. Doc's mentorship of Lightning McQueen became a central theme, highlighting the importance of experience and the passing down of knowledge. His death, subsequent to the release of Cars, was respectfully handled in Cars 3, ensuring his enduring impact on the franchise.[8]
Legacy
Doc Hudson stands as one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the Cars franchise. His character embodies the spirit of classic American automobiles and the values of integrity, humility, and the importance of community.[25] He has also contributed to the increased appreciation for classic automobiles within the younger audience.[4] His legacy extends beyond the films, serving as a reminder of the real-life Hudson Hornet's historical significance in motorsport and Paul Newman's enduring talent. There are many Hudson Hornet's with Doc's livery that travel around the globe.[26]
References
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