Key Highlights
- Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn follows a private eye and his alien partner through the futuristic city of Metropia.
- Sam Rockwell voices Ray Gunn, while Tom Waits and Scarlett Johansson voice Eyera and Venus Nova.
- Ray Gunn premieres in select theaters Dec. 4 before arriving on Netflix Dec. 18.
Brad Bird’s Sci-Fi Noir Ray Gunn Unveils a New Trailer
Ray Gunn, the latest animated film from The Incredibles and Ratatouille director Brad Bird, is heading toward its release with a new trailer filled with futuristic cityscapes, airborne chases and alien confrontations. Bird has been developing the story since the 1990s, before the release of his debut feature, The Iron Giant.
The film centers on Ray Gunn, voiced by Sam Rockwell, a private eye working in the sprawling metropolis of Metropia. Ray and his partner, Eyera, an alien voiced by Tom Waits, are struggling financially and urgently need a new case. Their next assignment offers far more danger than expected when they become involved in a murder linked to Venus Nova, a megastar voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
A Murder Case Beneath Metropia’s Neon Skyline
As Ray investigates the murder, he is drawn into Metropia’s criminal underworld. The case also brings him increasingly close to Venus Nova, adding a personal dimension to a mystery already connected to one of the city’s most prominent figures.
The trailer presents Ray Gunn as a fast-moving blend of science fiction and film noir. It showcases Metropia’s towering skyscrapers alongside airborne pursuit sequences, clashes with aliens and the escalating dangers surrounding Ray’s investigation. The central question is whether Ray can uncover the truth before the case overwhelms him.
Release Dates and Streaming Availability
Ray Gunn premieres in select theaters on Dec. 4 and arrives on Netflix on Dec. 18. The release marks the next stage for Bird’s long-developed passion project, which combines an original futuristic setting with the detective conventions of animated noir.
Why This Matters
Ray Gunn expands Brad Bird’s animation work into a science-fiction detective story shaped by noir themes, an unusual combination for a major animated feature. Its long development history and high-profile voice cast—including Sam Rockwell, Tom Waits and Scarlett Johansson—make the film notable ahead of its theatrical and Netflix releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Ray Gunn?
Ray Gunn was directed by Brad Bird, whose previous films include The Incredibles, Ratatouille and The Iron Giant.
Who voices the main characters in Ray Gunn?
Sam Rockwell voices Ray Gunn, Tom Waits voices his alien partner Eyera, and Scarlett Johansson voices megastar Venus Nova.
When will Ray Gunn be released?
Ray Gunn premieres in select theaters Dec. 4 and will be available on Netflix Dec. 18.
