Comic-Con 2026 Recap: Brad Bird Unveils Ray Gunn, Incredibles 3, and Star Trek Highlights

Day three of San Diego Comic‑Con 2026 delivered a burst of animation news and sci‑fi excitement. Brad Bird took the stage to showcase the first footage of his long‑awaited original film Ray Gunn, while also confirming his involvement in Incredibles 3. The panel also featured a Star Trek segment that teased upcoming series developments. For fans of franchise filmmaking and streaming releases, these announcements shape the next wave of content across theaters and platforms.

What happened

Brad Bird opened the session by screening the opening seven minutes of Ray Gunn, an original animated adventure he describes as “Buck Rogers meets The Maltese Falcon.” The clip introduced Sam Rockwell’s Ray, a bounty hunter navigating a retro‑future world where humans and aliens coexist, and featured a cameo voice performance by Tom Waits.

He then addressed the future of the Incredibles franchise, confirming that he is co‑writing and co‑producing Incredibles 3 while Pixar veteran Peter Sohn will direct. Composer Michael Giacchino joined the conversation, hinting at his involvement in scoring the sequel.

The Star Trek portion of the day highlighted upcoming series on the streaming platform, showcasing concept art and teasing narrative directions that will expand the universe beyond the current lineup.

Why it matters

Ray Gunn marks Brad Bird’s return to original animation, suggesting a potential shift in how major studios prioritize original IP alongside sequels. The Incredibles 3 update signals continuity for a beloved franchise, which could drive both theatrical attendance and streaming viewership when it lands on Disney+. Star Trek’s teased expansions reinforce the franchise’s strategy to dominate the sci‑fi streaming market, influencing subscriber decisions and content pipelines for the next few years.

How to think about it

Treat the announcements as indicators of where major studios are allocating resources. If you follow animation, keep an eye on Ray Gunn’s festival circuit and early‑screening opportunities, as they often set the tone for award season. For franchise fans, monitor official release calendars rather than speculation, and consider how streaming rights may affect where you’ll ultimately watch these titles.

FAQ