Director Brad Bird, known for "The Incredibles" and "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," announced at San Diego Comic-Con that his long-gestating project focusing on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake is now being planned as a miniseries. The project, which Bird has been developing for years, was first reported as a potential feature film debut in 2007.
Bird stated that the film adaptation did not fall through due to budget issues, as some online speculation suggested. Instead, he explained that the sheer volume of research and interconnected stories discovered during his exploration of the event made it difficult to condense into a single film. The miniseries format, he believes, is a more natural fit for the narrative scope. However, Bird cautioned that the production would still require a substantial budget, emphasizing that "it has to be big like a movie."
During the "Brad Bird: My Cinematic Journey" panel, hosted by Collider EIC Steven Weintraub, Bird outlined his vision for the miniseries. He anticipates it comprising approximately eight episodes, highlighting that the story encompasses not only the earthquake itself but also the significant firestorm that followed. Bird noted the destructive power of the winds that fueled the post-earthquake fires, describing them as reaching "gale force."
The panel also touched upon Bird's immediate upcoming project, the animated film "Ray Gunn," slated for release on Netflix this fall. "Incredibles 3" was also mentioned, with Bird confirming he is co-writing and producing the film, though directing duties will be handled by Pete Sohn, who helmed "Elemental." Composer Michael Giachinno, a frequent collaborator, made a surprise appearance, leading to playful exchanges about his potential involvement in scoring "Incredibles 3," which Bird hinted at.
Additionally, Bird mentioned another live-action film in development that incorporates animation. While details remain scarce, he suggested this project might be completed before the 1906 earthquake miniseries.