Brad Bird’s Decades-Long Animated Noir ‘Ray Gunn’ Premieres at London Film Festival

Key points

• The film, produced by Skydance Animation, is a collaboration between Brad Bird and screenwriter Matthew Robbins, featuring a voice cast that includes Tom Waits, Bobby Cannavale, and Michelle Rodriguez.
• Set in an 'alternate future' resembling 1939, the story follows private detective Ray Gunn and his alien partner Eye-Ra as they investigate a murder involving pop star Venus Nova.
• The project has been in development for over 30 years, with Bird describing the journey to completion as requiring 'insanity' rather than just dedication.
• The film carries a PG rating and a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes, with a score composed by Michael Giacchino.

Background

Our archive indicates that 'Ray Gunn' was previously announced with a December 2026 release date, marking Bird’s first project for a streaming service since 2018. The film had been in development for over three decades prior to its recent announcement.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline’s Pete Hammond praised the film as a 'visually sumptuous' and 'clever' mashup of noir and sci-fi, noting its potential for an Oscar nomination. The Guardian’s review highlighted the film’s 'old-school family classic' appeal, praising its smart animation and romance, while noting a light touch on clichés. IndieWire’s Kate Erbland offered a more critical view, calling the film 'too sprawling' and its messaging 'muddled,' particularly regarding its critique of entertainment conglomerates in the current media landscape. The Hollywood Reporter focused on Bird’s career, noting his departure from Disney due to political differences and his collaboration with Steven Spielberg.

Why it matters

The film represents a significant return for Brad Bird to animated feature filmmaking after a period focused on live-action projects. Its release through Netflix and Skydance Animation signals a continued investment in unique, auteur-driven animated content from major studios, despite industry consolidation.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in select cinemas on December 4, 2026, followed by a streaming release on Netflix on December 18, 2026.