‘The Iron Giant’: This ’90s Animated Film Set the Stage for a Beloved Pixar Franchise

Brad Bird is a well-known figure among Pixar legends, having contributed to enduring films like ‘The Incredibles’ (2004) and ‘Ratatouille’ (2007). However, Bird’s entry into the animation industry wasn’t straightforward. He began his career during a period when Disney was struggling creatively and other studios were hesitant to invest in animation. 

Despite having a wealth of original ideas, Bird found few opportunities to bring them to life. The animation landscape shifted in the mid-late 1990s as more studios started competing with Disney. During this time, Warner Bros. offered Bird ‘The Iron Giant’. Although the movie flopped at the box office, it encouraged Bird to seek opportunities with other studios, eventually leading him to Pixar.

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Bird’s passion for animation began at a young age. In a 1999 interview, he shared that he started drawing sequential pictures and telling stories with them as early as age three. Bird’s talent caught Disney’s attention, leading to a scholarship and a job offer after high school. However, Bird’s dissatisfaction with Disney’s declining quality led to his departure. 

He struggled to find studios willing to take risks on his ideas until Steven Spielberg noticed his short, ‘Family Dog’, which later became a short-lived TV show.

Bird’s big break came with ‘The Iron Giant’, which he adapted from Ted Hughes’ book. Despite its initial commercial failure, ‘The Iron Giant’ showcased themes that would later define Bird’s work at Pixar. After reconnecting with Pixar’s John Lasseter, Bird pitched ‘The Incredibles’, released in 2004, which became a massive success. Bird’s next project, ‘Ratatouille’, further cemented his reputation, despite being brought in to rescue a struggling production.

Bird’s journey to success was long and fraught with challenges, but he has become a pivotal figure in animation, creating some of Pixar’s most beloved films. Fans eagerly anticipate his future projects.

–Farheen Ali