Mission: Impossible - 1906...

Should you choose to accept this mission...



I've seen a lot of people whining about Brad Bird going into live-action over the past year...

I don't see any problem with it. He's a genius and I expect anything he does in that format/medium to be just as entertaining as his animated works. I've never seen anything that was made with his name on it that I did not thoroughly enjoy.

Many people are wondering why Bird would do a film like "Mission Impossible," much less a sequel to someone else's franchise. They wonder why he's not doing a sequel to "The Incredibles" instead. Simply, the director has wanted to make a live-action adaptation of James Dalessandro's novel "1906" since the early part of the last decade. He was working toward that when when John Lasseter asked him to help out with "Ratatouille" and he put it on hold to help turn that film into the hit it became. Once that was done he went back to trying to get that film made. But it's going to be a big budget and it's going to be live-action. The executive over at Warner were nervous about handing such a large budget to a director untested in live-action. Despite many rewrites to finally bring the film down in budget, the Suits at Warner never could get the courage to greenlight it.

Brad realized he wasn't going to get to make this dream project unless he showed them he could make a successful live action film. Making a sequel to his animated superhero family would not have accomplished this. Tom Cruise and his people, having smoothed over some ruffled feathers with Paramount Pictures, set about talking about making another sequel to Mission: Impossible. After all, Hollywood would rather spend money on a safe bet than an unknown property. Even though it's not always the case, brand names/big stars tend to fill the seats in theaters. This dynamic has been changing in the entertainment industry with the way things are evolving over the last decade, but Tinsel Town is slow to change.

Cruise was looking for a new director since J.J. Abrams had decided against directing the film. He would still guide the story and help produce, but not be behind the screens. This presented an opportunity for bold choices and one of three choices that Cruise and his inner circle were mulling, was Brad Bird. They knew he was eager to direct his dream project, they knew he was wanting to do a live-action film. This was his opportunity to show the Warner studios that hold the rights to his passion project, that he could handle a film that was big and not animated. That is why he accepted the project. He's taken a project with a script by André Nemec and Josh Appelbaum, which Abrams developed and started working on creating something that would be a great resume for his entry into the live-action world.

Brad's worked with the writers and Tom over the course of pre-production to get it into shape for a film that he feels comfortable directing. Working beside/for Tom Cruise is different world from which Bird comes, but he's adapted and has planned on making a worthy sequel to the franchise that can actually stand on its own. One that could be seen by people that hadn't see the others and just happen to like action films or Tom Cruise films or even Brad Bird films. I know that they're setting up the series to have more equal parts, like the one for Jeremy Renner, but it's Tom's film until he decides to leave the series.

While I really enjoyed the last film, I wasn't a fan of the first two films and hated the second one (which says a lot since I love John Woo). It's my belief that this one will be the best of the bunch. A story by J.J. Abrams directed by Brad Bird? I'm there for "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol." Tom Cruise was both smart and lucky to get Bird for this project. And it's one of my most anticipated films of next year simply because of his attachment. I expect great entertainment and Brad has never disappointed me. No sequel to The Incredibles doesn't disappoint me. If this film is a success then Bird will likely get his dream project made. And if it excites Brad, it excites me. The man has said he's not abandoning animation, just expanding his options in the filmic world. So a sequel for the Lamp may happen sometime in the future. Just not the near future.

But whatever Brad Bird creates will be incredible no matter what...

Impossible Bird...

If you haven't heard the news, Brad Bird is now signed for MI4...

Tom Cruise sorta, kinda admitted that the deal is done and Bird is ready to film the sequel to Cruise's popular franchise. I know that Brad is hoping this will convince the Suits at Warner to pony up the cash for his "1906" film. Once he's showed that he can handle a big budget actioner and it make money they'll feel more comfortable with him handling a $200 million dollar film, which is what that historical epic would have cost.

Thankfully, they've moved the release date to December 16, 2011. Which gives the genius that the "Incredibles" director much more time to craft the film's expensive/complex action scenes, instead of rushing them to meet impossible May release date. That was a year away and would have been increasingly difficult to accomplish. Even for Bird. More time, better film... hopefully.

Of course, my dream would be once this film is done, the Warner Suits actually have Nolan talk to him about directing that "Man of Steel" movie that they're developing.

But hey, that's just me...

Should You Choose To Except This Assignment...

Brad Bird is a frickin' genius...

I have loved everything he has done. From "The Simpsons" to "Family Dog" to "The Iron Giant" to The Incredibles" to "Ratatouille." Everything he's done is great, well crafted and extremely entertaining. And I was looking forward to him directing his first live-action film, "1906" for 2011/12. But we broke (hear that Hollywood Reporter?) the news that the Suits over at Warner were nervous handing a guy that had never done live action such a large budget production and had gotten cold feet.

And then the news came last month about him being up for the fourth "Mission Impossible" film starring Jerry Maguire. Surprising but not unpleasant news, I must say. I was underwhelmed by the first two of the films, but actually loved J.J. Abrams take on the series. I would think that this third sequel would be my most anticipated were the director to be named Bird. And now that may happen. It's all a matter of money right now. And in Hollywood, that's the bottom line. He and the studio will have to reach an agreement soon because they want the sequel out Memorial Day, 2011. Ok Paramount operatives, hire the Bird and this difficult mission will commence immediately.

This post will self destruct in ten seconds...

Hat Tip to Vulture via /Film.

Bird On A Mission...

Interesting news...

It appears that as Brad Bird's attempts at getting Warner Bros. to finally green lighting "1906" have gone nowhere. And now, J.J. Abrams and Tom Cruise are eyeing him as a possible candidate to direct the fourth "Mission Impossible" film.

This would make an interesting concoction; Jerry Maguire, Mr. Lost and Mr. Incredible working on the same film? Wow, now let's just cross our fingers that the script by Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum is good/great. Bird likes to write his own material, so I'm wondering should this thing actually go further; will he do a rewrite? Or perhaps he'd just be a director-for-hire?

Hey, for my two-cents, I think he should direct that "Superman" film that Nolan is producing, but I'm up for anything he directs. The man's a genius. Hopefully some day he'll be able to get the earthquake film going again, but I don't wish to wait much longer for a Brad Bird film. So if the skies align then maybe we'll see Ethan Hunt doing some really incredible adventures.

And then it's time Lasseter got him to make "Ray Gunn" for WDAS...

The Earthquake That Will Never Be...

In 1906 an earthquake hit the city of San Fransisco that absolutely devastated the area beyond all recognition...

And Brad Bird was nowhere to be seen. Remember Brad Bird? He's the amazingly gifted director that has produced genius works like "The Iron Giant," "The Incredibles," and "Ratatouille." Bird's current project, one that he's been actively working on for the last two years is "1906." It's the project he was working on after The Incredibles when John Lasseter asked him to direct a film about a cooking rat. Out of respect for John he set it aside and began trying to rework Jan Pinkava's original concept into something filmable. After it was all over he went back to his passion project and he's been there ever since.

Time has kept ticking and it seems no closer to being made than before. There is no official start date. There is no studio approval from Warner or its Disney-Pixar partnership. Yes, the Mouse is involved, but Warner is the active partner in this. The budget and length of the script are said to be problems for the Suits that weld power over Brad's fate. And there is doubt that they will give it approval. Bird has turned in at least two drafts and is awaiting a decision. Several Bothans that I talked to are starting to express doubt that it'll ever come to pass. Not that it isn't a great script that would make a great film, but the length and size of the budget make some at Warner very nervous. Think of it as a project of "Titanic" proportions and yes I meant the innuendo.

And so Brad Bird waits. The question is how long will he wait if the Suits continue to have cold feet? He's already been away for two years. Will he try and get the studio to release the project if they turn him down? Perhaps he'll go back to Pixar and start working on another film (Incredibles 2, Ray Gunn)? Or move on to another live-action project? We don't know for sure, but if this film isn't in pre-production by the end of 2010, it most likely won't happen. Or at least won't happen anytime soon. And then we'll have to wonder what else Bird has up his sleeve. Does he have something else brewing as a back up? Another passion that awaits to be filmed. Live-action or animation, it doesn't matter to me because Brad Bird is a genius and I await anything he does. I don't care if it's this film about an earthquake or something else.

Either way, it'll be an earthquake to me to hear Brad is working on something...

Given The Bird...

George 'El Guapo' Roush over at Latino Review has an interview up right now with Brad Bird where he gives a little more info about "1906" and other Pixar projects...

I won't say how jealous I am because he got to talk to the genius that is this man, but let's just say steam is rolling from my ears right now.

Go over and give it a read...

Bird Goes Live...

Well, what we've all talked about here and other places was finally announced this morning. Brad Bird has not tried to hide the fact that he's been working on a live action film based on the novel "1906"by James Dalessandro...

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Bird has signed for the film which will be co-produced by Warner Bros. and Disney/Pixar. Bird is taking a pass at his own draft of John Logans("The Aviator" and "The Last Samurai") original script. John Walker("The Incredibles" and "The Iron Giant") is the executive producer, Paula Weinstein("Blood Diamond" and "The Perfect Storm") produces and Pixar will co-finance the film. Think of what "Titanic" was to ship disasters and you can begin to imagine what this film will be in relation to it... a sweeping period drama occuring before, during and after a devastating earthquake that literally destroyed the City by the Bay.

Thus begins Pixar's foray into live action. It's the first, but most definitely won't be the last...

Will The Princess Be Real?

Just a small note before I head out the door...

At a press junket for Brad Bird's new movie "Ratatouille", IESB's Robert Sanchez tried to find out more about "Princess Of Mars"... particularly if it would be live action or animated?

He got the answer.

It will be both.

Both? Pixar will use live action and animation to bring the chronicles of John Carter to life. So it appears we may see human actors appearing along animated creatures and enviroments. No word yet as to who would be directing it... although sources seem to lean toward Andrew Stanton being the most obvious prospect.

Also of note, Brad Bird confirmed that he was indeed working on 1906 as his next project.

Breaking News! Earthquake happens in 1906?

Well it appears Brad Bird's next film will not be "The Princess of Mars".

Darn...

That being said, it appears that "1906" will be his next film. IESB is reporting in an interview with John Lasseter and Ed Catmull that there is confirmation on two subjects. The John Carter of Mars book, "The Princess of Mars" is being made by Pixar and Brad Bird is in negotiations to direct 1906.

What I don't understand is Brad's already on record as saying his next picture is for Pixar so... how can he be in negotiations? Unless they're talking about aquiring the rights to James Dalessandro's novel.

Pixar also talked about how TPOM will be different from Pixar's other family friendly films. It didn't mention that it would be live action so we don't know yet if TPOM will be live action or animated.

Interensting times at the Mouse... errr, Lamp?

Thanks to "UpComingPixar" for the hat tip.