Why does Brad Bird want 1906 to become a miniseries?
Brad Bird says a miniseries would give 1906 enough space for the material he uncovered while researching the San Francisco earthquake and its aftermath.
Speaking during the Brad Bird: My Cinematic Journey panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Bird explained that his research kept producing more material. He eventually felt that shaping it into one feature required cutting too much.
Bird described the potential series as “probably like eight episodes”, although that figure remains an estimate rather than a confirmed episode order. He also said it would need to be produced on a substantial scale because “it has to be big like a movie”. Eight movie-sized episodes is certainly one way to solve the problem of having too much story.
The project would extend beyond the initial earthquake. Bird said its major build includes the fire that followed, which he described as being fed by winds that became “like gale force”. That wider canvas helps explain why an episodic structure appeals to him.
What happened to the original 1906 film?
1906 spent years in development as a live-action feature before Bird began discussing it as a potential miniseries.
Reuters reported in 2007 that Bird was preparing a live-action project tentatively titled 1906, believed to concern the San Francisco earthquake, with the film then expected to debut in 2009. It was intended to be his live-action directing debut, a distinction that ultimately went to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
At Comic-Con, Bird rejected what he called “BS stories online” suggesting the feature had stalled because of budget concerns. His account focused instead on the challenge of compressing his research into a single film. The miniseries idea is therefore a proposed answer to a long-standing creative problem, rather than a confirmed revival backed by a studio.
Is the 1906 miniseries officially happening?
The 1906 miniseries remains an idea Bird is pursuing, with no announced studio, streamer, cast, or production schedule.
Bird also mentioned another film that could happen before 1906. He revealed only that he would direct it and that “it’s live-action, but there’s animation in it”. Clearly, his development slate has decided that choosing one medium at a time is optional.
Much of the Comic-Con panel concerned Ray Gunn, also covered from the event by our sister site IGN Middle East. Bird’s animated film is due on Netflix in autumn 2026.
Bird also reiterated that Pete Sohn will direct Incredibles 3, while Bird will co-write it with Dana Murray and serve as a producer. Composer Michael Giacchino made a surprise appearance and jokingly asked who would score the film; Bird replied, “the ghost of Jerry Goldsmith”, followed by “We’ll talk about it.” Giacchino’s involvement remains unconfirmed, but subtle it was not.
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