Turbo the snail pursues a colossal dream: to race in the sport’s most famous competition and win the Indy 500. The aim goes beyond speed; Turbo hopes to rescue Dos Bros Tacos, the beloved taco truck run by Tito and his brother Angelo. With a crew of friends rallying behind him, Turbo chases a goal that feels almost impossible, challenging the speed of the top drivers and the odds themselves.
In a candid conversation about the making of the film, the creative team explained how the story came together and why snails were chosen to lead the adventure.
Why snails? The spark came from a yard full of snails and a child obsessed with race cars darting around the living room. The combination suggested a protagonist who loves speed while carrying the heart of an underdog facing everyday obstacles. It was a simple, almost inevitable image that sparked the project.
So the idea wasn’t just a mashup of two things at random. It grew from watching those close, ordinary moments and imagining a snail who could share the thrill of racing with audiences. The character embodies resilience, a trait that makes an unlikely racer feel reachable and relatable to viewers of all ages.
Turbo teams up with Tito, who runs a taco truck and stands with his brother Angelo, weaving a strong Dos Bros Tacos thread into the narrative. The partnership centers on a shared dream and a community that believes in second chances, making the taco business and the race quest inseparable parts of the same story.
Why tacos? The setting stays grounded in Los Angeles, where taco stands are a familiar sight and a taco truck is a vivid, humorous icon. The duo’s journey uses this familiar backdrop to illustrate a larger dream—one that unites a dreamer snail and a pair of brothers who refuse to give up on their business and their ambitions.
Many characters grow, but Chet undergoes the most pronounced arc. He shifts from strong opposition to Turbo’s racing dream to offering genuine support and backing the cause with new energy and belief.
Animation has a natural appeal for animal-led stories. It allows creators to shape personalities that go beyond human limitations, giving life to characters with imaginations and hearts that feel real even when their bodies are fantastical. Animals open doors to storytelling choices that might not be as easily conveyed with live action.
Characters Whiplash and Smooth Move move with a personality-driven rhythm that mirrors their voice talent. The snail roles suit actors whose energies helped shape the characters, aligning movement with voice in a way that makes the performances feel authentic.
Was the casting done with the performers in mind? For some parts, yes. In other cases the character design led the way, and in all instances the recordings of the actors were used to capture the spirit of the performance for the animators to translate into motion. The process aimed to preserve the performers’ energy while letting the animation breathe.
The most challenging aspect was teaching snails to express emotion with very limited features. Without arms, legs, or eyebrows, the creatures needed new tools for movement and facial cues. That constraint pushed the team to devise fresh, satisfying ways to convey feelings and intent, enriching the film’s emotional texture.
Working with a renowned cast proved exhilarating. The performers brought a wealth of talent, and many had not previously explored animation, which added a sense of discovery to the project. It was enjoyable to collaborate, shaping performances that felt alive and natural on screen.
Is there talk of a sequel? The aim was to craft a self-contained story, yet the door remains open should audiences respond with enthusiasm and curiosity to revisit these characters in future adventures.
What is the one thing the creators hope the audience takes away? A genuine affection for the central characters and a belief that friendship, perseverance, and teamwork can drive remarkable outcomes, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
In the end, the experience invites viewers to cheer for Turbo and friends as they chase the impossible, blending humor with heartfelt moments that linger after the final scene.
Audiences can expect a colorful, fast-paced journey that celebrates imagination, camaraderie, and the courage to pursue a dream against all odds, leaving a warm impression long after the lights come up.