Brad Bird Reveals 'Ray Gunn' Origins and Career Pivots at London Film Festival

Key points

• Brad Bird held a Screen Talk at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, discussing his animated caper 'Ray Gunn,' which has been in development for three decades.
• Bird stated he left Disney because the studio became 'political' and he was fired for advocating for the values of his mentors, preferring mature storytelling over traditional approaches.
• He described Steven Spielberg as an '800-pound gorilla' who protected visionaries from industry doubters, contrasting this with his experience at Disney.
• The film features a voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits, and Bobby Cannavale, set in the retro-futuristic city of Metropia.
• Bird confirmed he is writing and producing 'The Incredibles 3' but emphasized that director Pete Sohn owns the project's DNA, having worked with Bird on previous Pixar films.
• The film will premiere in select theaters on December 4, 2026, and stream on Netflix on December 18, 2026.

Background

Our archive indicates that 'Ray Gunn' was announced for the BFI London Film Festival in September 2026, with release dates confirmed in early October. The film marks Bird's first major project for a streaming service since 2018, following his live-action work on 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' and 'Tomorrowland.'

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter focused on Bird's personal anecdotes, including his 'spider bite moment' with 'The Jungle Book' and his friction with Disney leadership. The Guardian praised the film's 'old-school' charm and visual design, noting its retro-futuristic aesthetic. Conversely, Gizmodo offered a more critical view, arguing that while the film is entertaining, it lacks the emotional resonance of Bird's previous works, feeling that characters serve the plot rather than vice versa. Yahoo described the film as having a 'muddled message' despite its retro-futurist detective premise.

Why it matters

The release of 'Ray Gunn' marks a significant return to animation for Brad Bird, a key figure in the industry's shift from traditional to CGI animation. His comments on the political nature of studio leadership and the importance of 'believers' in Hollywood offer insight into the creative challenges facing major directors in the current industry landscape.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on December 4, 2026, followed by a wide streaming release on Netflix on December 18, 2026. Audiences will also see 'The Incredibles 3' in the future, with Bird serving as writer and producer.