Netflix Reveals New Look at ‘Ray Gunn’ as New Animated Adventure Gets Release Date
Netflix is bringing a new animated adventure to audiences with ‘Ray Gunn’, a futuristic neo-noir mystery from acclaimed filmmaker Brad Bird. The upcoming movie has officially received a release date, and Netflix has also shared new images giving fans their first look at the characters at the center of the story.
According to Netflix’s presentation at the Annecy International Film Festival, ‘Ray Gunn’ will arrive on the streaming platform on December 18, 2026. The announcement was part of Netflix’s “Next on Netflix” event, where the company revealed several upcoming projects and updates.
The film comes from Brad Bird, the filmmaker behind animated favorites such as ‘The Incredibles’ and ‘Ratatouille’. For ‘Ray Gunn’, Bird serves as director and co-writer, working on the screenplay with Matthew Robbins. The story is an original idea created by Bird and takes audiences into a unique world that mixes science fiction, mystery, and classic detective themes.
‘Ray Gunn’ is set in Metropia, a massive city located in an alternate version of the future that is inspired by the year 1939. The story follows Raymond Gunn, a private detective who finds himself caught in a dangerous case involving aliens, murder, and a famous celebrity named Venus Nova.
Sam Rockwell provides the voice for Raymond Gunn, described as a small-time private investigator who becomes involved in a much bigger mystery than he expected. The character is the last human private detective in a world where humans and aliens live together.
Joining Rockwell in the voice cast is Scarlett Johansson, who voices Venus Nova. Her character is a famous pop star whose personal scandals put her career at risk, while a much more serious danger threatens her life.
Netflix’s first images from the film highlighted Rockwell’s Ray Gunn and Johansson’s Venus Nova, giving viewers an early idea of the movie’s stylish visual direction. The images show the film’s unique blend of futuristic technology, classic detective influences, and a darker mystery atmosphere.
The cast also includes legendary musician and actor Tom Waits as Eyera, Ray Gunn’s trusted partner who happens to be a one-eyed alien. John Ratzenberger and Jamie Costa are also part of the voice cast.
The movie is produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Lisa Beroud. The project is being developed through Skydance Animation, which has been expanding its lineup of animated films aimed at global audiences.
Unlike traditional animated adventures, ‘Ray Gunn’ appears to be leaning heavily into the style of a detective story while adding unusual science fiction elements. The combination of aliens, crime, and a futuristic city gives the movie a different identity compared to many recent animated releases.
Brad Bird’s return to original storytelling has already created excitement among animation fans, especially because of his history of creating memorable characters and detailed worlds. With Netflix backing the project and a cast featuring major Hollywood names, ‘Ray Gunn’ is shaping up to be one of the platform’s most ambitious animated films.
As Netflix continues to reveal more details about the movie, fans will have to wait until December 18, 2026, to see Ray Gunn’s mysterious journey unfold.
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