Brad Bird's 'Ray Gunn' a 30-Year Passion Project, Tackles Mature Themes

Director Brad Bird, known for animated hits like "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille," is set to release his latest film, "Ray Gunn," on Netflix on December 18. This project represents a significant personal endeavor for Bird, who has been trying to bring it to fruition for over three decades. The film is his first since 2018 and his first for a streaming service.

Bird described his persistent efforts to get "Ray Gunn" made since the 1990s, likening his journey to the character Lucy and Charlie Brown's repeated attempts to kick a football. "I can’t tell you how many times I thought that was going to happen, and then the football would be pulled away, and I’d land on my back," he told Page Six.

The film, which stars Sam Rockwell as private investigator Raymond Gunn and Scarlett Johansson as multimedia starlet Venus Nova, is set in the retro-futuristic city of Metropia. The narrative involves aliens, murder, and intrigue. Bird emphasized that "Ray Gunn" is not a typical children's movie, despite its PG rating. "Not every animated film has to be made for five-year-olds. I just reject that," he stated.

A press event for "Ray Gunn" was held at Netflix's Burbank animation headquarters in late July, five months before its release. Attendees were shown the first 30 minutes of the film and participated in activities such as voiceover sessions and a Q&A with composer Michael Giacchino.

Bird also shared his thoughts on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. While he finds the concept of AI models training on his work "disturbing," he believes AI can be beneficial if implemented carefully and ethically. "I think that politicians are failing us now in being careful with this," Bird commented. "I think it can be hugely beneficial if it’s introduced correctly and carefully, and with respect and understanding that it could lead us into some very dark areas if we’re not careful."

He expressed support for AI as a tool for artists but strongly opposes its use to replace them. "As long as it’s a tool for artists, it’s fine. If it’s used to try to replace artists, then I’m completely and utterly against it," he said.

Bird also touched upon the financial pressures of filmmaking, noting that movies often need to make two and a half times their cost to break even. He believes this financial reality can stifle creativity, leading to a repetition of successful formulas rather than the creation of new ideas. "I think that’s the most worthy thing you can do with money – trying to create and introduce new things into the world," Bird added.