As early as 2007, even before Ratatouille was released in theatres, Brad Bird left everyone wondering what he would be doing next.
As the director of highly praised films like WB’s The Iron Giant, The Incredibles and then another massively successful Pixar picture, it’s no surprise that people would be interested in his future projects. That’s when solid rumors started floating around about 1906, a detour from Pixar animation.
Fast forward to 2010 and you’ve got all sorts of disaster stories about the movie based on America’s most destructive earthquake ever. But it was only recently that word started to get out about Brad Bird’s involvement in another project, Mission: Impossible 4 set for 2011.
Today, Tom Cruise confirms this in the form of a new Empire Online interview. Here’s what the M:I star had to say: "we’re working with Brad right now. I don’t know if I’m allowed to talk about it but everything’s signed… Brad is doing it."
What does this mean for 1906 and the heavily fan-requested Incredibles sequel? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see! Hopefully this move will give filmmakers more confidence to fund what was to be Bird’s live-action debut.
What do you think about Brad Bird taking on Mission: Impossible?
Last modified: May 6, 2010
I think it’s awesome! it will be the best MI movie, no doubt about that.
It is really odd to imagine Brad, the man, working with Tom Cruise (quite good actor, interesting producer, but rather uncool person). This will really boost Brad’s career as a filmmaker and gain even more influence in the industry, which will ultimately mean good news for animation since Brad is 100% in support of the medium. But I’m going way ahead here.
I’m really glad for him and I will be really looking forward to see what he comes up with. You can count on Brad bringing along some Pixar pals to assist him in the storyboarding process.
I’m thoroughly excited by this. Brad showed he can direct a movie like this from The Incredibles. The only film more perfect would be Bond 23. Hopefully that is next.
Congrats Brad, I can’t wait!
The great thing about this is that it’s on the fast track for 2011 release. If it does really well, which I think it will, Brad will be able to go back to 1906 with a blank check. That’s what seems to have held it up to begin with, cost. I’m sure this will be great for Brad, Tom and the movie going public. Can’t wait!
Hopefully M:I-IV will be a big enough hit to convince the suits at Warner to pull their heads out of their butts and let Mr. Bird make the movie he wants to make.
For those who don’t know, 1906 has been in development hell because Warner Bros. wasn’t willing to give Brad Bird a proper budget for that type of movie. A big live action hit for Brad Bird would go a long way to fixing that I think.