For now, “The Iron Giant” and “The Incredibles” director Brad Bird’s upcoming Netflix animated feature “Ray Gunn” won’t be getting the big screen treatment.
As previously reported, Bird and his team have been trying to get a theatrical run for the film, but Netflix doesn’t appear to be budging from its firm ‘no’ position.
Sam Rockwell stars in the film as the titular Ray Gunn, a hardened private detective and the last human in a galaxy populated by alien beings, who becomes drawn into a complex mystery. Scarlett Johansson co-stars.
Speaking to Polygon at the Annecy Festival this past week, Bird confirms he’s continuing to push for a cinema run:
“I’m talking. I don’t know whether they’re listening. I’m very grateful that the film exists, and it exists because Netflix was willing to take a flyer on the idea and they’ve been tremendously supportive. That said, it’s not news to anyone that I’m a big fan of theatrical… I believe it’s the best way to see this movie the first time you see it.”
Netflix is only giving select titles limited theatrical runs. If “Ray Gunn” does premiere on the streamer first, Bird asks people to try and see it on the biggest screen possible:
“I would recommend you find the biggest screen you can, even if it’s down the street at your neighbor’s place. 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.'”
Maybe it will depend on the reviews. Skydance Animation is behind the project which reportedly received very high test scores recently, while arguments are also swirling about the film’s rating.
“Ray Gunn” will hit Netflix on December 18th.
