Brad Bird, the acclaimed director behind the 2007 animated hit Ratatouille, has poured cold water on suggestions of creating a sequel to the beloved Pixar film. Despite its significant box office success, particularly in France where the story is set, and its continued popularity on streaming platforms and at Disney theme parks, Bird maintains that the narrative arc of the original film is complete.
Bird, who both wrote and directed the Oscar-winning movie about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris, revealed in a recent interview with Collider that he has been quick to dismiss the idea when studio executives broach the subject. He explained that while studio representatives have made “little feints” towards exploring a follow-up, his response has consistently been that “we told that story.”
The director acknowledged the common impulse for audiences to desire more from stories they connect with. He drew parallels to another of his films, The Iron Giant, which initially struggled at the box office but has since gained a cult following. For Bird, the core principle remains that once a story has been fully explored, there is little left to add without diminishing its original impact. He questioned what further narrative could genuinely enhance the tale of Remy and his culinary ambitions.
Ratatouille, which follows Remy's journey to achieve his dream with the help of a young kitchen worker, Linguini, earned critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for Best Animated Film. It also secured an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film is currently available to stream in the UK on Disney+.
Among its many admirers in the UK is actor Josh O'Connor, known for his roles in The Crown and God's Own Country. O'Connor has openly declared himself a "superfan" of Ratatouille, stating he has watched the film approximately 100 times and finds it consistently moving. His admiration highlights the film's enduring cultural resonance and its ability to connect deeply with British audiences, years after its initial release.