Brad Bird Is Hoping RAY GUNN Gets the Big Screen Treatment, and It's Hard to Argue With Him
We're still waiting to get our first real look at Ray Gunn, but there's already one question surrounding the upcoming animated detective film that's worth talking about. Will Netflix actually give it a theatrical release?
Right now, it doesn't seem likely. But writer-director Brad Bird hasn't given up hope. While attending this year's Annecy Animation Festival, Bird spoke with Polygon about the film's release plans, explaining that he's still trying to convince Netflix that Ray Gunn belongs on the biggest screen possible.
He admitted that the conversation is still ongoing, saying he was "talking" to the streaming giant, but he doesn't know "whether they're listening."
Bird is obviously happy the movie is getting made, but he'd much rather audiences experience it in a theater first. As a member of Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners, he has always been a strong supporter of theatrical exhibition.
As Bird explained: "[They're] all about theatrical," said Bird, "and I believe it's the best way to see this movie the first time you see it."
Bird has built a career making visually spectacular animated films that were designed for the theatrical experience. Whether it was The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, or Incredibles 2, his movies have always felt bigger than the living room.
Netflix has occasionally made exceptions when it comes to theatrical releases. Sometimes it's done to qualify films for awards, but recently the streamer has shown a little more willingness to experiment.
KPop Demon Hunters and the Stranger Things finale both received theatrical releases because they became major event titles that justified the effort.
Looking ahead, Netflix is also giving Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew an exclusive theatrical rollout before it eventually lands on the service, which is a notable shift from the company's usual release strategy.
Could Ray Gunn end up getting similar treatment? It's certainly possible, but at the moment nothing has been announced. If Netflix sticks with a streaming-only debut, Bird already has an entertaining backup plan for fans.
He joked: "Find the biggest screen you can, even if it's down the street at your neighbor's place," he suggested. "Barge right in there and say, 'We're seeing this movie, because you have a big screen and that's the way it should be seen.'"
Whether Netflix changes course or not, Ray Gunn is one of my most anticipated animated movies. Hopefully audiences get the chance to experience Bird's latest film the way he intended, inside a movie theater with a massive screen and a crowd.
For now, we'll have to wait and see what Netflix decides. Ray Gunn is currently scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 18.