Director Brad Bird Explains Why He Chose Skydance Over Pixar For Animated Film Ray Gunn

Variety Entertainment•Published: Oct 10, 2026 07:25 PM IST

Acclaimed animation director Brad Bird revealed that he deliberately chose not to pitch his upcoming film 'Ray Gunn' to Pixar because the project fell outside the studio's traditional creative scope. The film, which is produced by Skydance Animation, is set to make its premiere on Netflix.

Creative Scope: Brad Bird stated that he felt 'Ray Gunn' simply was not within Pixar's exact wheelhouse for traditional family storytelling.
Target Audience: The veteran director emphasized that creating animated feature films specifically tailored for teens and adults should not be a controversial industry decision.
Production Home: The project found its home at Skydance Animation, partnering with Netflix to bring the visionary animated feature to global streaming audiences.

The Context & Background

This decision highlights the shifting landscape of adult animation, where filmmakers are increasingly seeking out alternative studios and streaming platforms to produce more mature animated content that deviates from mainstream family formulas.

Why it matters:This move highlights a broader shift in the animation industry, proving that top-tier creators are seeking alternative studios and streaming platforms to develop mature animated content. By championing films for teens and adults, Brad Bird is challenging traditional studio boundaries and expanding the commercial viability of sophisticated animation.

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