Peter Sohn Takes the Helm of Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 3
In an exciting development for fans of animation and the beloved Incredibles franchise, Pixar veteran Peter Sohn has been announced as the director of the third installment of Disney-Pixar’s The Incredibles. Known for his previous works such as The Good Dinosaur and Elemental, Sohn takes on the challenge of continuing a cinematic legacy initiated by the masterful Brad Bird.
Collaboration with Brad Bird
Sohn will direct The Incredibles 3 from a screenplay penned by Bird, who both wrote and directed the first two films of the franchise. Bird will also serve as a producer for the film, alongside Dana Murray, known for her work on Soul.
Sohn’s association with Bird traces back to his early career. He was a student at CalArts when he first reached out to Bird during the production of Warner Bros.’ The Iron Giant. Bird recognized Sohn's potential, offering him a summer job as an animation assistant, which paved the way for their long collaboration at Pixar.
A Multi-Talented Protégé
As a protégé of Bird, Sohn has collaborated on various projects, demonstrating his versatile talent and profound understanding of animation. Bird himself praised Sohn in a recent interview, highlighting his insatiable desire to learn every aspect of the filmmaking process. Bird remarked, "He’s a multi-talent. That’s one of the reasons that I was always interested in whatever he was doing." This insight into Sohn’s passion for animation showcases the creative spirit that will guide The Incredibles 3.
Memorable Contributions
One notable contribution of Sohn to the original The Incredibles is a pivotal scene where Bob Parr urges his wife Helen to stay back during a fight, expressing his vulnerability: "I can’t lose you again… I’m not strong enough." Bird has acknowledged Sohn’s exceptional work in animating this moment, which was technically challenging due to limitations in character animation during that era. Bird stated, “Those kinds of scenes are really easy to do badly, because they can easily come off as artificial. And Pete did this wonderful kiss.” This memory reinforces the emotional depth that Sohn aims to bring into the new installment.
Recent Success and Future Endeavors
Sohn's recent film, Elemental (2023), has proven to be a commercial success, grossing nearly $500 million globally. Meanwhile, Bird’s Incredibles 2 grossed an impressive $1.24 billion at the box office, holding the title of Pixar's highest-grossing film until last year's Inside Out 2 surpassed it.
In addition to his work on The Incredibles 3, Bird is currently engaged in directing Ray Gunn, a CGI feature for Skydance Animation and Netflix, signaling a busy period for both creators.
As anticipation builds for the continuation of the Incredibles saga, fans can look forward to a film not only grounded in the rich legacy of the first two but also infused with the fresh perspective and creativity that Peter Sohn brings to the table.
Bias Analysis
Key Questions About This Article
