Netflix has revealed new images and confirmed the release date for Ray Gunn, the upcoming animated feature from acclaimed director Brad Bird. The film is set to premiere globally on December 18, 2026, as part of the streamer’s major animation showcase at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
Among a packed lineup of upcoming titles, Ray Gunn stands out as a bold, genre-blending project that combines classic detective noir with futuristic sci-fi elements. With its unique visual identity and experienced creative team, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated releases in Netflix’s upcoming slate.
A Noir Detective Story Set in a Retro-Futuristic World
Set in the towering metropolis of Metropia, Ray Gunn follows private investigator Raymond Gunn as he gets pulled into a dangerous case involving aliens, murder, and a mysterious multimedia star named Venus Nova. The setting blends a 1939-inspired vision of the future with advanced technology, creating a distinctive world where flying cars and towering skyscrapers exist alongside classic noir storytelling elements.
The film’s premise reflects Brad Bird’s long-standing ambition to merge genres that rarely intersect in animation. Drawing inspiration from classic detective films and early sci-fi storytelling, Ray Gunn aims to deliver a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
This fusion of styles gives the film a unique identity, positioning it as something different from traditional animated features that often lean heavily toward either fantasy or family-focused storytelling.
The newly released images offer a closer look at the film’s striking aesthetic, which is heavily influenced by Art Deco design and early 20th-century visions of the future. The city of Metropia appears vast and vertical, filled with sleek architecture, glowing lights, and a sense of scale that enhances the story’s noir atmosphere.
These visuals suggest a careful attention to detail, with environments that feel both lived-in and stylized. The blend of shadowy interiors and expansive cityscapes reinforces the detective tone, while also showcasing the creative possibilities of animation at this scale.
Early glimpses also hint at a mix of action, mystery, and character-driven moments, suggesting that Ray Gunn will balance spectacle with storytelling depth.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Story to Life
The voice cast for Ray Gunn includes Sam Rockwell as the titular detective, Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, and Tom Waits as Eyera, a one-eyed alien and trusted ally.
Each actor brings a distinct presence to their role, contributing to the film’s blend of grounded performances and larger-than-life storytelling. The casting reflects the film’s ambition to appeal to a broad audience, including those who may not typically gravitate toward animated projects.
Brad Bird has emphasized the importance of strong voice performances in animation, noting that they play a key role in shaping how characters are brought to life on screen.
Ray Gunn has reportedly been in development for decades, making it one of Brad Bird’s most personal projects. Known for films like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, Bird has consistently pushed the boundaries of what animated storytelling can achieve, and this latest project appears to continue that trend.
The film is produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Lisa Beroud, with animation handled by Skydance Animation.
