San Diego Comic-Con is about to get a heavy dose of animation royalty. Collider has announced that Academy Award-winning filmmaker Brad Bird will take the stage for an exclusive panel titled “Brad Bird: My Cinematic Journey,” where he’ll dive deep into his legendary career and offer fans a sneak peek at his highly anticipated Netflix film, Ray Gunn.
The panel, part of Collider’s “Directors on Directing” series, promises a wide-ranging conversation covering Bird’s most beloved works, including The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Bird will share insights into his creative process, storytelling philosophy, and the unforgettable characters that have defined his films. But the real draw? An exclusive first look at Ray Gunn, his upcoming Skydance Animation and Netflix feature.
Set to premiere on Netflix on December 18, Ray Gunn stars Sam Rockwell as the voice of Raymond Gunn, the last human detective in a futuristic world where humans and aliens coexist. The story unfolds in Metropia, a megacity set in an alternate 1939 universe that blends 1940s noir with sci-fi. Gunn takes on a murder mystery that pulls him into the orbit of multimedia star Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Bird recently previewed the first seven minutes of the film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, revealing that the project evolved over 30 years from a 2D animated tale into a visually stunning feature that he describes as treating animation “like a live-action movie.”
This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a chance to see where one of animation’s greatest storytellers is headed next. Bird’s panel will be moderated by Collider’s editor-in-chief, Steven Weintraub, ensuring a deep, fan-focused conversation. For those who can’t get enough of sci-fi noir, check out Colin Farrell's Lobster Role: The Sci-Fi Second Chance That Saved His Career for another tale of genre reinvention.
SDCC attendees should keep an eye on the convention’s schedule updates for the panel’s exact time, location, and date. Given Bird’s track record—from The Incredibles to Ratatouille—this is one panel that promises to be both a masterclass in filmmaking and a thrilling glimpse into the future of animation. And if you’re curious about other SDCC exclusives, don’t miss Titan Comics Brings Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Aliens Exclusives to SDCC 2026 for more con highlights.
Bird’s journey from The Iron Giant to Ray Gunn is a testament to his enduring vision. The panel will celebrate his impact on film while offering a rare, up-close look at a project that’s been decades in the making. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, this is a can’t-miss event at SDCC 2026.
