While Brad Bird has finally gotten around to making a sequel to The Incredibles, after over a decade, it seems he isn't as eager to revitalise his other works
Bird recently spoke with io9, whilst promoting the upcoming release of The Incredibles 2, in regards to if he feels inclined to direct a sequel to either Ratatouille or The Iron Giant - here's what he had to say:
You know, I feel like [those stories are] told. I’m told I need to do an Iron Giant 2 and I’m told I need to remake everything that I’ve made and no one apparently wants anything new anymore. I’m a little at odds with society on that. I would like to do some new things.
This did [turn out well]. But you’re welcome to take a crack at a Ratatouille sequel. I feel like i’ve done my Ratatouille. I’ve done my Mission: Impossible and I’ve done my Iron Giant. And that’s that. I’m not mad about it but it seems like it’s the only thing that people want now is for you to repeat what you just did.
His statements do ring true with the current state of Hollywood essentially pumping out reboot after sequel of pre-existing properties. Though, it is a little odd considering that he spent many recent years breathing new life into a certain 14 year old superhero film.
Though Bird is aware that the audience striving for sequels to their favourite works is all meant with good intentions, as he explains:
Well, it’s nice. It’s complimentary. But it kind of reminds me of when my boys were little and I would give them a push on the swing and they’d go ‘Again!’ It’s a sweet thing but it’s also, from an artist standpoint, it’s a little frustrating. Like what if I want to do a Western? Would there be any support for that idea? What if I wanted to do a musical? How about that? You know, it’s like—there are other things to do.
Though Bird seems to have an aptitude for making successful sequels, it's highly unlikely we'll ever see a Brad Bird-directed follow-up to his Academy Award winning Pixar hit Ratatouille or the iconic The Iron Giant.
What do you think about Bird's comments? Would you have liked a sequel to either of those films?