Brad Bird on Finally Making ‘Ray Gunn,’ His Live Action Run and When Things Turned Political at Disney

From animation legend to live action dream

Brad Bird, the director behind animated classics such as The Incredibles and Ratatouille, revealed why the sci fi noir project Ray Gunn finally left the drawing board after more than two decades.

The long road to Ray Gunn

Bird first sketched Ray Gunn in the early 1990s, envisioning a 1930s style city where a daring pilot chases a mysterious villain. The concept was shelved when studio executives favored safer, franchise friendly projects. Decades later, the director said the timing felt right because streaming platforms now reward original storytelling.

A public unveiling at the BFI London Film Festival

During a conversation at the BFI London Film Festival, Bird walked the audience through the film’s visual language, the influence of classic noir, and the technical challenges of blending practical effects with modern CGI. He emphasized that the story’s heart is a love letter to the optimism of early aviation cinema.

Why the project finally moved forward

Three factors converged:

1. Streaming services began to fund high‑concept original movies without the pressure of box office numbers.
2. Advances in virtual production allowed Bird to recreate 1930s skylines without building massive sets.
3. A renewed appetite for creator driven projects gave Bird the confidence to pitch Ray Gunn directly to executives who valued artistic risk.

Bird’s live action ambitions

Beyond Ray Gunn, Bird discussed a personal desire to direct a live action adventure that would let him explore human drama without the constraints of animation. He described the experience as “a chance to work with actors in a way that feels immediate, yet still rooted in the visual storytelling I honed in cartoons.”

He noted that his background in animation gives him a unique perspective on framing, movement and timing, which he believes can elevate any live action project.

When politics entered the Disney studio

Bird recounted a moment during the early 2020s when a board meeting at Disney turned into a debate over corporate responsibility and public perception. A senior executive asked whether the studio should pull a marketing campaign that featured a character resembling a real world political figure.

The discussion highlighted how creative decisions can become entangled with public policy, shareholder expectations, and media scrutiny. Bird said the episode reminded him that even the most artistic environments are not immune to external pressures.

Talking about the “800 pound gorilla” of Hollywood

When asked about the most powerful influence in the industry, Bird named Steven Spielberg. He explained that Spielberg’s ability to launch new talent, secure financing and shape audience expectations makes him a unique figure in modern cinema.

Mentions of Steve Jobs and Tom Cruise

Bird also reflected on two iconic personalities who have impacted his career indirectly. He praised Steve Jobs for his insistence on design excellence, a principle Bird applies to every frame he creates. Regarding Tom Cruise, Bird admired the actor’s relentless work ethic and willingness to push physical boundaries, traits Bird hopes to emulate in his own directing process.

Sideshow Bob as a political metaphor

In a surprising tangent, Bird compared the cartoon character Sideshow Bob to modern politicians. He argued that both often present a polished public persona while harboring personal vendettas, and both rely on strategic communication to sway audiences. The analogy sparked laughter but also underscored Bird’s belief that storytelling can illuminate real world dynamics.

Advice for emerging directors

Bird concluded the session with practical guidance for the next generation of filmmakers:

• Master the fundamentals. Whether working in animation or live action, a solid grasp of composition, lighting and sound is non negotiable.
• Stay curious. Explore genres outside your comfort zone; the cross pollination of ideas fuels innovation.
• Build relationships. Trust with producers, editors and actors can turn a risky idea into a greenlight.
• Embrace failure. Projects that never see the light of day still teach valuable lessons.
• Keep a personal voice. Audiences respond to authenticity more than market trends.

Bird’s reflections at the festival offered a rare glimpse into the mind of a creator who has navigated both the animated and live action worlds, while also confronting the political realities that shape large studios today.