Key facts
- Netflix released the official trailer for Brad Bird's animated film 'Ray Gunn'.
- The film is described as a neo-noir science-fiction mystery with film noir and hard-boiled detective elements, blended with comedy and action.
- Ray Gunn is set in Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939.
- The story follows private eye Raymond Gunn, who is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova.
- Ray Gunn premieres on Netflix on December 18, 2026, and will have a limited 70mm theatrical run starting December 4, 2026.
Netflix has unveiled the trailer for "Ray Gunn," an upcoming animated film from acclaimed director Brad Bird, known for "The Iron Giant," "The Incredibles," and "Ratatouille." The movie is slated for release on Netflix on December 18, 2026, following a limited 70mm theatrical run beginning December 4, 2026.
Described as a neo-noir science-fiction mystery, "Ray Gunn" is set in Metropia, a sprawling, retro-futuristic city inspired by the aesthetics of 1939. The film blends elements of film noir and hard-boiled detective stories with increased comedy and action, according to Bird. The narrative centers on private investigator Raymond Gunn, voiced by Sam Rockwell, who becomes entangled in a complex case involving aliens, murder, and a captivating multimedia star named Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
Bird has been developing the concept for "Ray Gunn" for approximately 30 years, with the script co-written by Matthew Robbie. The inspiration for the film reportedly struck Bird when he heard the opening of the B-52s' song "Planet Claire," which reminded him of Henry Mancini's theme music for the classic TV show "Peter Gunn." The film aims for a more mature audience than Bird's previous Pixar work, drawing comparisons to "The Maltese Falcon" and "Buck Rogers."
The voice cast also includes Tom Waits as Ray's alien colleague Eyera, Matt Berry as alien mob boss Francis “Sluggy” Xavier, Bobby Cannavale as Venus Nova's husband, Alan Tudyk as Venus' manager Barry Vogel, Michael Chernus as a studio fixer named Sam, and Patton Oswalt as a hologram. Bird himself voices Xavier’s alien henchmen, Gunsol and Musker. Kathryn Hunter, John Ratzenberger, and Jamie Costa are also listed as voice actors for undisclosed characters.