The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EventsFilm

Exclusive: Isiah Whitlock, Jr. Speaks with Us About ‘Cars 3’

by Oluwafunmilayo Turner May 1, 2017
by Oluwafunmilayo Turner May 1, 2017 0 comments
2.9K

Cars 3 honors the history of many powerful black men and women in the newest addition to the trilogy.

Isiah Whitlock, Jr. portrays the modest, yet hard driven pioneer, River Scott. The steadfast character has the battle scars of his past, but Isiah’s role as River Scott serves as a testament to the obstacles of history.

We recently sat down with Isiah Whitlock, Jr. and spoke with him about his role with Cars 3, coming to theaters June 16th, and his newest series The Mist.

The Knockturnal: Tell me about your role and the character your playing

Whitlock: The character I voice is the character, River Scott. He’s one of these guys that come from these modest beginnings. He has a hard drive and this sort of never-quit attitude. He was a trailblazer. He’s based on Wendell Scott, who was the first African American driver in the Nascar Series. That’s who I voice, and I am very proud of him.

Wendell Scott, the first African American Nascar driver

The Knockturnal: When doing animated films, do you get to interact with the cast?

Whitlock: I haven’t done a lot of animated movies, and I would imagine that there are times that you would work with the cast. The stuff I did was by myself. In other movies, I would get some interaction to get an idea of just which way I should go. On this one, I am just by myself. It wasn’t one of the easiest things I have done, but I really did try to bring some life to this character. I tried to see myself in the certain situations that the character was in and make sure that he was well represented.

The Knockturnal: Did you get a chance to have a hand in your car design?

Whitlock: I didn’t, but what I saw, I was very, very happy with. My favorite colors are blue and red and if anything comes out in blue, I am always very, very happy with it. It brought a lot of joy when I saw the car and the way it looked. And it also helped me shape the character, voice wise. You can look at the car, and say, “Oh I think he can sound like this. This is the voice I am going to give him.” And that took me a very, very long way in creating the character and voice.

The Knockturnal: Did the character mimic you in anyway?

Whitlock: It takes a little of getting used to, because you have this car, which is one of the cars from the past. And your voice is coming out of it. At first, it kind of makes you stand up and take notice, but it’s a beautiful thing. I can’t tell you just how happy and proud I am to be the guy chosen to voice River Scott.

The Knockturnal: You are always popping up in our favorite TV shows. Can you tell us about your newest endeavor with the new show The Mist?

Whitlock: The Mist, is a novella based on this mist that comes and overtakes the town. I play the mall manager who gets trapped in the mall. I become sort of like this “Lord of the Flies” leader, so to speak. We are trying to survive. It’s a TV show about survival, and what lengths people will go to survive. I play the mall manager, and he creates a little bit of a kingdom inside the mall.

The Knockturnal: What is your go-to vehicle?

Whitlock: I believe it’s a Chevy. Wendell Scott was a very, very good mechanic. And he would pretty much do all of the work on his cars. I would imagine that car would be souped up and hot and ready to go. Those cars would have to be a whole hell of a lot faster than what was coming off the line back then. But it’s a good-looking car. Even though, it’s an old school looking car, I would imagine it would be really fast.

The Knockturnal: How would you pimp your ride out?

Whitlock: I grew up in South Indiana. That’s where all the Studebakers cars were made. First they made cover wagons, but then they went from cover wagons to Studebakers. I would imagine that you would be able to find a lot of them over in Cuba. I would put aux plugs and then I would put speakers in it. I wouldn’t make it too fancy. I love cars the way they were designed and the beauty of them. The most I would probably do is put some dice on the rear view mirror.

The Knockturnal: The Cars movies always have such great messages in them. What do you think people will take away from Cars 3?

Whitlock: I think they will take away drive, determination, and perseverance. That will be a huge message with this movie. They will also take away the fact that you will not be young forever, and you need to be ready for that transformation. And accept it. There’s nothing wrong with that. We put such an attention on that, but there’s nothing wrong with it. There is life after racing. You’ve just got to pretty much find out who you are, your spirit, and what’s in your heart. And I think a lot of young people will begin to see that. I think that will be one of the beautiful messages of this movie.

carsCars 3Isiah WhitlockJr
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Oluwafunmilayo Turner

previous post
Highlights From the ‘Reservoir Dogs’ TFF Panel
next post
Tribeca Film Festival Review: ‘The Departure’

Related Posts

The 2025 Gayming Awards Blessed WeHo with Star...

July 9, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

The Death of Rasputin Was a Dark Dream...

July 7, 2025

Review: ‘Heads of State’ Brings Comedy to The...

July 3, 2025

Sky Sparks & Dance Floor Heat: 4th of...

July 2, 2025

Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Freya Skye, and Malachi...

July 2, 2025

On The Scene: Taron Egerton, Dennis Lehane, Jurnee...

June 30, 2025

Drink Like a Jedi: Coca-Cola’s Star Wars Collab...

June 29, 2025

Rain Didn’t Dampen the 2025 Jazz Age Lawn...

June 29, 2025

HOT 97’s Summer Jam 2025 Ignites Newark with...

June 29, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
@mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Some @mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Something Beautiful — a 55-minute visual album that blurs the line between music, film, and fantasy. Premiered at Tribeca, now playing on the biggest screen: herself. 🎬✨ 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/high-energy-higher-fashion-miley-cyruss-pop-opera-something-beautiful/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#MileyCyrus #SomethingBeautiful #VisualAlbum #PopOpera #Tribeca2025 #EditorialMoment #MusicAndFilm #FashionInFilm
An intimate night of art, passion, and connection An intimate night of art, passion, and connection @centerforartandadvocacy celebrating the third release of @prisonerwineco featuring label designs by @jessekrime and a network of formerly incarcerated artists for the limited edition Wine Series. 🍷🎨
@omaribooker @jaredowensart @mrwashtheartist @r.craig.t1 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-prisoner-wine-company-unveils-third-limited-edition-corrections-series-at-the-center-for-art-advocacy-in-nyc/

✍️: Briana Boateng 

-
#PrisonerWineCo #ArtAdvocacy #Wine #Spirits #Art  #NikeCommPR
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch