Ray Gunn: Brad Bird's Animated Sci-Fi Mystery Arrives in December
Oscar-winning filmmaker Brad Bird is returning to animation with Ray Gunn, an original science-fiction detective mystery that blends futuristic technology, crime and classic film noir. Known for directing acclaimed animated films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille and The Iron Giant, Bird brings audiences into Metropia, a sprawling futuristic city inspired by a vision of the future imagined in 1939. The film is scheduled to open in select theatres on December 4, 2026, including limited 70mm screenings, before making its global streaming debut on Netflix on December 18.
The story follows Raymond Gunn, a private investigator voiced by Sam Rockwell, who becomes involved in a case involving aliens, murder and Venus Nova, a prominent multimedia star voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Set in a world where humans and extraterrestrial beings coexist, Metropia features towering skyscrapers, flying vehicles and advanced technology, while concealing a darker side marked by corruption, crime and scandal. Gunn's investigation takes him through the city's glamorous districts and its criminal underworld as he attempts to uncover the truth behind the case.
The film also features Tom Waits as Eyera, Gunn's one-eyed alien companion. Other cast members include Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Chernus, Michelle Rodriguez, Aasif Mandvi, Kathryn Hunter and Patton Oswalt. The screenplay was written by Bird and Matthew Robbins, with animation produced by Skydance Animation for Netflix.
Bird has described the project as a combination of classic detective films and science-fiction adventure. The concept has been in development for more than three decades, predating the release of The Iron Giant in 1999. The director has said he wanted to combine the atmosphere of traditional detective stories with the imaginative possibilities of futuristic science fiction, while exploring animation as a medium capable of telling stories beyond conventional family entertainment.
With its retro-futuristic setting, mystery-driven storyline and high-profile voice cast, Ray Gunn represents a new animated project for Bird and Netflix as the film prepares for its December release. Its limited theatrical run will precede its streaming debut, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the futuristic world of Metropia on the big screen before it arrives on the platform.
