In 1980 whilst at Cal Art's Brad Bird and a few friends created script for a Spirit film alongside a pencil test trailer made to help pitch the film. To quote ‘The Spirit’ movie that could have been "But if the world had turned a little differently, if fate had been a little kinder, a “Spirit” feature film would have debuted in the 1980s that would not only have been revolutionary but — those of us involved in it were convinced — a huge hit, possibly the first $100 million-grossing animated feature. And the futures of such filmmakers as Brad Bird, Gary Kurtz, John Musker and John Lasseter might have taken alternative paths."
The film would actually reach Will Eisner (who did need some convincing for an animated film but by the sounds of things was on board) and there were plenty of people who thought it looked good (Gary Kurtz producer of Star Wars jumped on board to try and get it made). However it didn't get made with many Hollywood exec's not wanting to give funding to the film " Hollywood was filled with the sound of executives scratching their heads. At least one offered to make it as a live-action film — an option Brad would not consider and the rest of us would not support. The whole idea was to make an animated film so different, so revolutionary, it would alter forever the art form."
Now what if the film had been made and funded meaning a Spirit film in early 80s maybe around 83/84? It could have done well (maybe not $100 million dollars but still) and could lead to an interesting 80s and 90s for U.S animation (particularly if most of Disney's animators from it's Renaissance in the 90s run off to joins Bird's Visions Animation + FilmWorks). I could see various superheroes getting there own animated films. Batman the animated series competing against the Spirit Animated Series? Adult Animation maybe gets a shot in the arm from the project (the film would have probably gotten a PG rating if made mostly due to having an adult feel and being based on a comic for adults). Golden Age Comics experiencing a revival just as the Dark Age begins? There are many ideas and theories that could occur from this film existing that interest me. One day I may make a timeline based off it but for now how about this.
Articles, Photos and Videos:
Steven Paul Levia, Brad Bird and Will Eisner, White Plains N.Y, 1981
Steven Paul Levia's essay where most of the quotes are from:
‘The Spirit’ movie that could have been
Concept Art:
Letter to Steven Spielberg:
The Pencil Test Trailer:
Gives a basic idea of the films look
The film would actually reach Will Eisner (who did need some convincing for an animated film but by the sounds of things was on board) and there were plenty of people who thought it looked good (Gary Kurtz producer of Star Wars jumped on board to try and get it made). However it didn't get made with many Hollywood exec's not wanting to give funding to the film " Hollywood was filled with the sound of executives scratching their heads. At least one offered to make it as a live-action film — an option Brad would not consider and the rest of us would not support. The whole idea was to make an animated film so different, so revolutionary, it would alter forever the art form."
Now what if the film had been made and funded meaning a Spirit film in early 80s maybe around 83/84? It could have done well (maybe not $100 million dollars but still) and could lead to an interesting 80s and 90s for U.S animation (particularly if most of Disney's animators from it's Renaissance in the 90s run off to joins Bird's Visions Animation + FilmWorks). I could see various superheroes getting there own animated films. Batman the animated series competing against the Spirit Animated Series? Adult Animation maybe gets a shot in the arm from the project (the film would have probably gotten a PG rating if made mostly due to having an adult feel and being based on a comic for adults). Golden Age Comics experiencing a revival just as the Dark Age begins? There are many ideas and theories that could occur from this film existing that interest me. One day I may make a timeline based off it but for now how about this.
Articles, Photos and Videos:
Steven Paul Levia, Brad Bird and Will Eisner, White Plains N.Y, 1981
Steven Paul Levia's essay where most of the quotes are from:
‘The Spirit’ movie that could have been
Concept Art:
Letter to Steven Spielberg:
The Pencil Test Trailer: