Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' Premieres, Highlighting Shift from Pixar to Skydance

Key points

• Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 10, 2026, before its theatrical release on December 4 and Netflix debut on December 18.
• The film, developed over 30 years, is a noir detective caper set in a retro-futuristic city called Metropia, blending 1940s detective tropes with sci-fi elements.
• Brad Bird chose Skydance Animation over Pixar to target adult audiences, stating that making animated films for teens and adults 'shouldn’t be a controversial decision.'
• The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell as Ray Gunn, Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, Tom Waits as Eyera, and other notable actors like Bobby Cannavale and Matt Berry.
• The film’s score was composed by Michael Giacchino, Bird’s longtime collaborator, and it features themes of art, technology, and corporate greed that remain relevant today.

Background

Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' has been in development for over 30 years, with Bird first conceiving the idea after hearing The B-52s’ song 'Planet Claire.' The project was shelved due to other commitments, including 'Ratatouille' and 'The Incredibles 2,' but Bird continued to refine it. The film’s world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival marks a significant milestone, as it is Bird’s first project for a streaming service since 2018. The film’s release on Netflix and in theaters highlights the growing trend of animated films targeting adult audiences, a shift that has sparked debate in the industry.

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasizes Brad Bird’s decision to move 'Ray Gunn' from Pixar to Skydance Animation, highlighting his belief that animated films for adults should not be controversial. The outlet notes that Bird’s choice was influenced by Skydance’s willingness to support a project aimed at a broader audience. The Guardian focuses on the film’s old-school charm and its ability to blend noir and sci-fi genres, praising its visual design and voice cast. Deadline highlights the film’s potential for Oscar recognition, noting its smart, visually sumptuous style and its appeal to both adults and children. The outlets agree on the film’s quality but differ in their emphasis: Variety focuses on the industry implications of Bird’s move, while The Guardian and Deadline highlight the film’s artistic and commercial potential.

Why it matters

Brad Bird’s 'Ray Gunn' represents a significant shift in the animation industry, as it targets adult audiences and challenges the traditional perception of animated films as solely for children. The film’s success could pave the way for more animated projects aimed at older viewers, potentially changing how studios allocate resources and develop content. Additionally, the film’s themes of art, technology, and corporate greed remain relevant today, making it a timely and thought-provoking addition to the animation genre.

What to watch

The film will be released in theaters on December 4, 2026, before streaming on Netflix on December 18. Its performance at the box office and on streaming platforms will be closely watched, as it could influence future decisions by studios regarding animated films for adult audiences. Additionally, the film’s potential for Oscar recognition will be a key factor in its long-term impact on the industry.