Brad Bird’s 30-Year-Old Animated Noir 'Ray Gunn' Premieres in Theaters and on Netflix

Key points

• Ray Gunn releases in limited 70mm theatrical runs on December 4, 2026, and on Netflix on December 18, 2026.
• The film was co-written by Brad Bird and Matthew Robbins, with the script originally sitting in a Warner Bros. filing cabinet for 30 years.
• Sam Rockwell voices the titular detective, Scarlett Johansson plays star Venus Nova, and Tom Waits voices the alien partner Eyera.
• The story is set in Metropia, an alternate future city viewed from 1939, combining optimistic retro-futurism with dark noir elements.
• Brad Bird described the project as a blend of Buck Rogers and The Maltese Falcon, emphasizing character animation over standardization.

Background

Brad Bird previously directed The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. Ray Gunn had been in development since the 1990s, with the script stored at Warner Bros. before moving through various studios. The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2026. It follows the success of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, though Bird stated he did not aim to replicate that specific success.

How outlets are covering it

Ars Technica highlights the retro-futuristic aesthetic, noting flying cars and laser guns, and emphasizes the 30-year development timeline. Gizmodo focuses on the financing struggles Bird faced, noting that the project was abandoned and later revived by Netflix. DiscussingFilm details Bird’s preference for hand-drawn animation, which was changed to CG for commercial reasons, and his focus on subtle character movements. All sources agree on the release dates and the core cast, but differ in emphasis: Ars Technica on the visual style, Gizmodo on the production hurdles, and DiscussingFilm on the artistic philosophy.

Why it matters

Ray Gunn represents a significant milestone for Brad Bird, fulfilling a decades-old vision. It also marks a notable entry for Netflix in the animated feature space, following the massive success of KPop Demon Hunters. The film’s blend of genres and high-profile voice cast suggest a broad appeal beyond typical animation demographics.

What to watch

Ray Gunn will be available in select theaters starting December 4, 2026, and on Netflix on December 18, 2026. Audiences can expect a 119-minute, PG-rated film with a score by Michael Giacchino.