It has been well known that The Incredibles director Brad Bird’s next film is likely to be an adaptation of 1906. Based on the novel by James Dalessandro, which is a fictionalized account of the famous 1906 Earthquake in San Francisco. Bird, while promoting Ratatouille in the UK, spoke with Rotten Tomatoes about his future. And while he doesn’t mention 1906 by name, you can be sure that’s what he’s talking about.
“I was starting to work on a live action film a couple of years before I came on board Ratatouille so I’m going to return to that and I’m quite excited by that idea. I don’t want to tell you too much about just yet, I’m not really ready for that, but it’s a historical-based thing and I think it’s going to be pretty wild.”
Bird told The Daily Bulletin earlier this year:
“The company [Pixar] is evolving into a place where all kinds of movies, not just animated ones, can come out,” said Bird, who reveled that his next Pixar film will be live action.
Book Description: Every disaster has a backstory, none more thrilling than this one. Set during the great San Francisco earthquake and fire, this page-turning tale of political corruption, vendettas, romance, rescue-and murder-is based on recently uncovered facts that forever change our understanding of what really happened. Told by a feisty young reporter, Annalisa Passarelli, the novel paints a vivid picture of the Victorian-era city, from the mansions of Nob Hill to the underbelly of the Barbary Coast to the arrival of tenor Enrico Caruso and the Metropolitan Opera. Central to the story is the ongoing battle-fought even as the city burns-that pits incompetent and unscrupulous politicians against a coalition of honest police officers, newspaper editors, citizens, and a lone federal prosecutor. With the appeal and texture of The Alienist, Carter Beats the Devil, and the novels of E. L. Doctrow, James Dalessandro weaves unforgettable characters and actual events into a compelling epic.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Pixar is going to start to do non-animated movies? Lame.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
not only that, but it doesn’t sound very family oriented either.
November 6th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I’m a bit torn by this. On one hand, Pixar is without a doubt the best animation studio around, and their amazing films are some of the few that really are family-oriented. They rely on real story and actual humor instead of using lame pop-culture references and fart jokes. On the other hand, how much of what gets produced by Hollywood is pure drivel? Wouldn’t it be great if in the same year you could go to 2 films created by the geniuses at Pixar? I’d never want to see them abandon animation, but I think it’s a good idea for them to branch out.
January 11th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Lame?? That’s pretty ignorant. Pixar is a film studio; who said they have to do only one type or genre of film. 20th Century Fox and Universal make all kind of movies, why can’t Pixar.
January 28th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Bird has to date only done incredible work. I for one would love to see him spread his wings in any direction. Pixar also never puts out products that are half baked. To me their strength is in their dedication to quality and strong story lines. Bring it on
March 13th, 2008 at 11:11 am
FANTASTIC! And with live actors. Brad Bird has earned the right to direct flesh and blood performers. Best news since Polanski was chosen to direct the ill-fated POMPEII. One of the reasons for TITANIC’S huge success was its fascinating history; something BIG that happened. Well, 1906 was BIG, and The Birdman is the right choice to helm it. Now if only some really talented director can sign up to bring on THE HINDENBURG….
March 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Oh no, it’s not “family oriented”! I guess that means it will be watchable for anyone not babysitting. Great point on the TITANIC comparison. As a San Franciscan, this is a story I would love to see told. Thanks PIXAR, I’ve been waiting for ya’ll to expand your opps. Long live live action!