Brad Bird's 30-Year-Old Animated Noir 'Ray Gunn' Debuts on Netflix with 70mm Theatrical Run

Key points

• Netflix released the official trailer for Ray Gunn, highlighting retro-futuristic elements like flying cars, jet packs, and laser guns.
• The film will have a limited 70mm theatrical release in select theaters starting December 4, 2026, before its Netflix debut on December 18.
• Brad Bird has been developing the Ray Gunn script for over 30 years, with the project previously stalled at Warner Brothers.
• The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell as Raymond Gunn, Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, and Tom Waits as an alien colleague.
• Bird describes the film as a blend of The Maltese Falcon and Buck Rogers, targeting a slightly older demographic with mature themes.

Background

Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn had been in development for over three decades, with the script previously sitting in a filing cabinet at Warner Brothers. The film was set to make its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2026 before its December releases. This project marks Bird’s first film since 2018 and his first for a streaming service, following his acclaimed work on The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille.

How outlets are covering it

Cartoon Brew and Ars Technica emphasize the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and the extensive 30-year development timeline, noting that the script was co-written by Matthew Robbins. Netflix’s official materials highlight the star-studded voice cast, including Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, and the film’s blend of noir and sci-fi. Page Six focuses on Bird’s comments about the film not being a 'kids movie' and his views on AI in filmmaking, noting that Bird is against AI replacing artists but open to it as a tool. All sources agree on the December 4 theatrical and December 18 Netflix release dates, but differ in emphasis: Cartoon Brew and Ars Technica focus on the creative and historical aspects, while Page Six highlights the industry implications and Bird’s stance on AI.

Why it matters

Ray Gunn represents a significant shift for Brad Bird, moving from traditional theatrical releases to a streaming platform for the first time. The film’s 30-year development timeline underscores the challenges of bringing non-traditional animated projects to fruition, particularly those targeting older audiences. Additionally, Bird’s comments on AI in filmmaking reflect broader industry concerns about the impact of new technologies on creative roles and budgets.

What to watch

The film will premiere in select 70mm theaters on December 4, 2026, before streaming on Netflix on December 18. Following the release, the film’s reception and box office performance will be closely watched, as it marks Bird’s first project for a streaming service. Additionally, the film’s success may influence future animated projects targeting older demographics and the use of AI in animation.