Key Highlights
- Netflix unveils the first trailer for Ray Gunn, a sci-fi noir film directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant), marking his long-gestating passion project since the 1990s.
- The film features an ensemble voice cast led by Sam Rockwell as private eye Ray Gunn, Tom Waits as his alien associate Eyera, and Scarlett Johansson as media superstar Venus Nova.
- Ray Gunn hits select theaters on December 4 before streaming globally on Netflix December 18.
Brad Bird’s Decades-Long Passion Project Finally Takes Flight
After years of development, Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn has emerged with a full trailer, offering audiences their first substantial look at the director’s return to feature animation since 2018’s Incredibles 2. Bird, celebrated for modern classics like The Iron Giant and Ratatouille, has been nurturing this project since the 1990s. The film represents a distinct pivot into a hybrid genre—melding classic film noir aesthetics with high-concept science fiction—set against the backdrop of Metropia, a sprawling vertical metropolis of mile-high skyscrapers, flying cars, and a diverse population of humans and aliens.
A Neo-Noir Sci-Fi World: Metropia
The trailer establishes Metropia as a character in its own right: a world “full of intrigue and corruption” where the city’s lone private investigator, the down-on-his-luck Ray Gunn (voiced by Sam Rockwell), scrapes by alongside his alien associate Eyera (voiced by Tom Waits). The narrative kicks into gear when a high-profile case lands on their desk involving Venus Nova (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), a volatile media superstar at the center of a grisly murder. The footage teases a classic femme fatale dynamic, leaving viewers to question whether Venus is truly the dangerous figure everyone suspects, while showcasing kinetic flying car chases and blaster firefights that underscore Bird’s signature action choreography.
Star-Studded Voice Cast Rounds Out the Ensemble
Beyond the central trio, Ray Gunn boasts a deep roster of talent. The supporting cast includes Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Chernus, Kether Donohue, Michelle Rodriguez, Aasif Mandvi, Matt Jones, Kathryn Hunter, John Ratzenberger, Justin Peck, and Patton Oswalt. This ensemble suggests a rich tapestry of characters populating the neon-lit streets of Metropia, each potentially adding layers to the central mystery.
Distinguishing Ray Gunn from the Real-Life Raygun
Netflix was quick to clarify in its announcement that the film bears no relation to Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, who became a viral sensation at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is the subject of a separate documentary on the platform. The distinction highlights the coincidental timing of two very different “Ray Gunn” properties landing on the same service.
Why This Matters
Ray Gunn arrives at a pivotal moment for Netflix’s animation strategy and for Bird’s career. The streamer has invested heavily in original animated features, oscillating between family fare and more mature, genre-bending projects like Nimona and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. Bird’s involvement signals a commitment to auteur-driven animation, a space where his track record—combining critical acclaim with box office success—is nearly unmatched. The December release window positions the film for awards season contention in the Best Animated Feature category, while the theatrical-then-streaming rollout mirrors the strategy used for recent high-profile Netflix titles. For fans of noir and sci-fi, the film promises a rare big-budget animated entry in a genre typically reserved for live-action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where can I watch Ray Gunn?
- The film opens in select theaters on December 4, 2025, followed by its global premiere on Netflix on December 18, 2025.
- Who are the main voice actors in the film?
- The lead voice cast features Sam Rockwell as Ray Gunn, Tom Waits as Eyera, and Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, supported by a large ensemble including Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, and Michelle Rodriguez.
- Is this film related to the Olympic breakdancer known as Raygun?
- No. Netflix explicitly notes that Ray Gunn is not connected to Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, who is the subject of a separate documentary on the platform.