Brad Bird Looks Back on Ten Years of ‘Ray Gunn’ Development and a Missed Chance to Direct ‘Star Wars’

Renowned filmmaker Brad Bird recently discussed the protracted production timeline of his upcoming movie Ray Gunn and disclosed how narrowly he missed the chance to direct a new Star Wars film.

Bird’s résumé boasts Oscar‑winning credits on The Incredibles, Ratatouille and the cult favorite The Iron Giant. He has earned a reputation for stretching the limits of animated storytelling, blending precise visual style with emotionally powerful plots, which has turned him into a highly sought‑after creator for both animation and live‑action ventures.

First conceived more than ten years ago, Ray Gunn has faced a cascade of obstacles, from shifting studio priorities to budget limits. Bird noted that the original pitch—a fast‑paced adventure set in an alternate 1950s America—has been repeatedly re‑worked to meet changing market demands and the strategic goals of its backer.

At the same time, Bird revealed that he was once a leading candidate to helm a fresh Star Wars chapter. Insiders reported his name surfaced early in talks about broadening the franchise’s cinematic universe, but the studio eventually chose a different creative path. This near‑appointment highlights the increasing overlap between elite animation talent and major live‑action franchises.

The news arrives as the animation industry enjoys a surge of interest in original, auteur‑driven projects. Should Ray Gunn live up to the lofty expectations set by Bird’s earlier successes, it could cement his reputation as a trailblazer capable of influencing both the artistic and commercial realms of modern cinema. Both viewers and financiers will be watching to see if the film finally emerges from its long‑standing development stall and what impact it may have on Bird’s future pursuits, whether in animation or elsewhere.