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Watch: Campaign Video to Give 'Star Wars: Episode VII' to Brad Bird

by Ethan Anderton
November 7, 2012
Source: io9

There's been a lot of talk about Star Wars over the past week. In addition to the promise of Star Wars: Episode VII kicking off a new trilogy after the acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, rumors of Matthew Vaughn directing and buzz about Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher returning to the saga have been circling. When it comes to directors for the new trilogy without George Lucas involved, we have our own list of ten directors who seem right for the job. Brad Bird (of The Incredibles, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) made our list, and one person agrees rather vehemently in this campaign video. See below!

Here's the campaign video Brad Bird for Star Wars Director, first found by io9 (via Vulture):

The video makes some funny remarks about Brad Bird rocking a scarf, but you can't argue with the fact that each of his four feature films (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) have scored 94% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes. Plus, the man did direct a couple great episodes of "The Simpsons" during the animated series' glory days, not to mention the music video for Do the Bartman. Also, with 1952 (a project that is not a cover for Star Wars) set up at Disney and his history with Pixar as a director and senior creative team member, he's the perfect fit. We're in! #GiveItToBradBird

Filed under Hype, Star Wars, To Watch

From around the web:

http://twitter.com/txshurricane Jim

He may be a good storyteller, but his overuse of CGI in scenes that should have been a composite of practical effects is maddening.
- http://twitter.com/johnheuer John Heuer
  
  That's because they were animated films!
  - Richie G
    
    Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol mother f**ker... not that I saw the overuse though. Still' not quite as good as MI:3
    - http://twitter.com/johnheuer John Heuer
      
      It was obviously a joke. If it wasn't overused in MI:4 then he would be talking about his animated films
      - http://twitter.com/txshurricane Jim
        
        No, M:IGP was the target of that comment. Andrew Stanton did a MUCH better job integrating CG to live action.
      - http://twitter.com/johnheuer John Heuer
        
        I know what you meant... it was a joke.
- http://twitter.com/Toonfed TOONFED
  
  Oh you don't know what you're talking about, man
- http://www.firstshowing.net/ Ethan Anderton
  
  Such as?
  - http://twitter.com/txshurricane Jim
    
    The Kremlin bombing and sandstorm scenes in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol were horrendous on the eyes.
    - http://twitter.com/Toonfed TOONFED
      
      The way of Brad Bird to tell a story, to connect characters, to put intensity on moments and spice it with a little bit of humor it's what star wars needs, like the original trilogy. Lucas already transform everything into a sfx with the new trilogy and deliver us a boring, bad time lapsed story, with marvelous green screens. And that doesn't make a good movie. Brad Bird have this marvelous chases, the tower scene in MI4. Movie it's not just the special effects movie is the whole experience.
      - http://twitter.com/txshurricane Jim
        
        How can it be "the whole experience" if the visuals are off-putting?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567981709 Chris McDermid

I agree that Brad Bird is a very good Director, but I fully support Joss Whedon as the new director of Star Wars Hands Down!!!!
- http://twitter.com/johnheuer John Heuer
  
  Just accept he is not going to be doing it.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567981709 Chris McDermid
    
    Accept what? NOBODY has been chosen, and the fact is he understands the series I think more than anyone else. He made the highest grossing film, as well as one of the most beloved sci fi series of all time. He also understands the importance of character being as important as story, I accept nothing until it is announced.
    - Phillip Gockel
      
      He's also pretty wrapped up in overseeing everything Marvel at this point in time. Seems like, at least for this first new film, there's not too much of a chance.
    - http://twitter.com/johnheuer John Heuer
      
      We get it. He's busy with Marvel though. It's not happening.
truong18

yes, give it to him
http://twitter.com/Toonfed TOONFED

He have mi vote already
RidgeRacer4

Haha, "never done anything wrong in the history of ever":) And he's right, Star Wars isn't better than it was 4 years ago:P So yeah, why not...Brad Bird 2015!!
avi

mi:4 was the best so give it to him!
marvelfan

Couldn't agree more, I was hoping for Brad Bird already and seeing this great spot even made me aware of more reasons why he's be a perfect fit. Plus, Abrams is busy with Star Trek (wouldn't be surprised if he'll do a third one) and Whedon will be busy with Avengers 2, while Bird will be finished with 1952 - so that leaves him as the only available top choice. The Burj Al Kaleefa scene in MI4 is probably the most sensational thing I've ever seen on a big screen, just imagine Bird inserting some of that cinemagic into Star Wars!
T-rex

Any director who wants to direct the new Star Wars movie should have a campaign video like this to get the job. This movie should be put into the right hands, that's how important the Star Wars franchise is
https://www.youtube.com/user/AREM16137 Reagan Fabry

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol was average at best and The Incredibles and Ratatouille are terribly overrated. I'll be pretty disappointed if he is chosen.
- http://twitter.com/willcubbon wfc
  
  No it wasn't and no they aren't. Ghost Protocol is at least as good as DePalma's original, and The Incredibles and Ratatouille are probably among the three best Pixar films along with the first Toy Story.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christopher-Philip-Cinquegrano/100000932639147 Christopher Philip Cinquegrano

It would be nice if they gave it to James Cameron but then it would prob take place underwater or something
http://www.facebook.com/gshauger Geoffrey Shauger

I thought we wanted the movies to be good
Ehsan Davodi

He is best choise for every action but i love him direct next TERMINATOR movie I think mathew vaghn is enough for star wars
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Dawkins/100002207329301 Jim Dawkins

Meh.. The only real choice if he would accept is Steven Spielberg. Before some of you cringe at too much sugar coating, remember Spielberg is the guy who can transition from something like ET to Saving Private Ryan and be "good" at it. Let a legend direct the next movie. Lucas wanted him to direct Return of the jedi but if fell through because of directors guild contract disputes.
David Banner

Haha, funny vid. But why Episode VII? He's got his hands full with 1952, why not push for VIII, or will this campaign go on a while? =)
http://twitter.com/Chrono2012 Chrono2012

Brad Bird was is my personal top choice for director! He knows how to pace a movie well, and He handles action great .
O-Man

Am I the only one out there who sees the obvious choice for the next Star Wars director? Duh! His name is PETER JACKSON. You know: of Lord of the Rings and King Kong fame?