Brad Bird, the visionary behind beloved animated features like The Incredibles, The Iron Giant, and Ratatouille, has long championed Ray Gunn. The film languished for years without a production home, a testament to its challenging genre fusion and distinctive vision. However, Netflix stepped in, reportedly investing an estimated $150 million to bring Bird's passion project to life. This substantial investment naturally comes with certain creative influences from the streaming giant.
One notable point of contention, as reported by Ecranlarge.com, revolved around the film's rating. Bird reportedly envisioned Ray Gunn with a PG-13 rating, aiming for a more mature narrative that wouldn't shy away from its noir inspirations. Netflix, however, pushed for a simpler PG rating, seeking to broaden the film's appeal to a wider, all-ages audience. The newly released trailer offers the first substantial look at how this balance might play out.
The initial glimpse, complemented by seven new images released by Esquire, suggests a tone that leans heavily into its film noir roots, spiced with action, rather than a typical children's animation. The plot itself is far from child-friendly, delving into organized crime, murder, and adultery. The story unfolds in Metropia, a sprawling megacity envisioned through a 1939 retro-futurist lens. Here, private detective Raymond Gunn and his extraterrestrial partner, Eyera, operate on the fringes, uncovering secrets. Their latest case involves a dubious espionage mission concerning pop star Venus Nova, which quickly escalates into a complex murder investigation.
The promotional material highlights a deeply referential aesthetic. The retro-futuristic design is evident in some of the quirky alien character designs, drawing comparisons to Monsters Inc., and a high-speed flying car chase reminiscent of a sequence from Attack of the Clones. While the trailer emphasizes the noir and action elements, the comedic interplay between Ray Gunn and Eyera, voiced by Sam Rockwell and Tom Waits respectively, is expected to provide lighter moments.
Voice talent includes a stellar lineup: Sam Rockwell as Raymond Gunn, Tom Waits as Eyera, and Scarlett Johansson as the enigmatic pop star Venus Nova. Bobby Cannavale lends his voice to Venus Nova's jealous husband, while Matt Berry takes on the role of the mob boss Slugsy. Brad Bird himself will voice Slugsy's two henchmen.
Visually, the film presents a compelling blend. While some critics note that the 3D character models might appear somewhat generic, the overall art direction, particularly in its framing, lighting, and detailed sets, is highly praised. This fusion of 1930s-50s aesthetics with imaginative science fiction creates a captivating world that promises to intrigue audiences. Netflix has also released a film poster that further underscores its classic noir influences, seemingly targeting cinephiles rather than just animation enthusiasts.
Ray Gunn is slated for release on Netflix on December 18, 2026.
