Brad Bird’s upcoming animated film Ray Gunn is off to a promising start with critics, earning a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes following its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 10, 2026. Featuring Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, the Netflix-bound science fiction adventure combines futuristic detective storytelling with retro-inspired visuals.
The film marks Bird’s first directorial feature since Incredibles 2 in 2018. Produced by Skydance Animation, Ray Gunn transports viewers to Metropia, a sprawling metropolis in an alternate future that draws inspiration from the aesthetics of 1939.
The film’s early reviews have been largely positive, although some critics have questioned its screenplay and character development. With its distinctive animation style and genre-blending premise, Ray Gunn is emerging as one of Netflix’s notable animated releases for December 2026.
WHAT IS RAY GUNN ABOUT? BRAD BIRD BLENDS SCI-FI WITH CLASSIC DETECTIVE NOIR
The story follows Raymond Gunn, a private investigator voiced by Rockwell, who becomes involved in a murder investigation connected to aliens and Venus Nova, a famous multimedia personality voiced by Johansson.
Metropia provides the backdrop for the mystery. Its towering buildings, futuristic transportation, and Art Deco-inspired architecture evoke an imagined future rooted in the visual language of the late 1930s. The setting combines the glamour of classic Hollywood with the darker atmosphere of science fiction and crime thrillers.
Bird explained his original concept in an interview with Netflix Tudum, describing the project as a combination of two distinct genres. “The Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers,” he said, referring to the classic detective story and the science fiction adventure.
The director has developed the concept for more than 30 years, making Ray Gunn a long-awaited personal project. In his interview with Netflix Tudum, Bird also argued that animation should not be restricted to a narrow range of stories or audiences.
WHAT ARE CRITICS SAYING ABOUT RAY GUNN?
The film’s 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, based on 29 reviews in the initial report, reflects a largely favourable critical response. However, the reviews also reveal some disagreement about whether its storytelling matches its visual ambition.
Drew Taylor of TheWrap praised the film’s imagination and animation, calling it a visually impressive work that pushes the boundaries of Western animation. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw similarly highlighted its humour, humanity, and elaborate city design.
Other critics were more reserved. Variety’s Guy Lodge praised the film’s visual and audio elements but questioned whether its characters had enough depth. The Hollywood Reporter’s Angie Han was less enthusiastic, describing the movie as an underwhelming combination of familiar science fiction and neo-noir ideas.
These mixed opinions suggest that Ray Gunn may be a stronger achievement in visual storytelling than in its narrative execution. Its Rotten Tomatoes rating could also change as more reviews arrive. Audience scores were not yet available in the initial report.
RAY GUNN RELEASE DATE AND NETFLIX STREAMING DETAILS
Netflix has scheduled Ray Gunn for a limited theatrical release on December 4, 2026, before its streaming debut on December 18. The theatrical rollout includes select screenings in 70mm, offering audiences an opportunity to experience Bird’s detailed animation on the big screen.
The film’s arrival will also mark a significant return for the director, whose previous animated features include The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Incredibles 2.
According to Netflix’s official announcement, the movie will release globally on Netflix on December 18, 2026.
With its blend of detective fiction, alien characters, and retro-futuristic design, Ray Gunn offers a different kind of animated adventure. Its early critical reception gives the film a promising start, although its eventual audience response will provide a clearer picture of its success.
