Brad Bird, the visionary behind The Incredibles and Ratatouille, is finally bringing his long-gestating passion project Ray Gunn to life at Netflix. The animated noir, which has been in development for over three decades, is set to be one of the most anticipated releases on the streaming platform. With a voice cast led by Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, and a score by Bird's frequent collaborator Michael Giacchino, the film promises to be a unique blend of retro style and futuristic storytelling.
Bird first conceived Ray Gunn in the 1990s, but the project was shelved when Turner Broadcasting System merged with Time Warner in 1996. However, Bird never let go of the idea, and Giacchino recalls hearing about it as early as 2003 while they were working on The Incredibles. Their partnership, built on a shared love of cinema and a focus on character-driven narratives, has only deepened since. "This is meant to be a good time at the movies," Bird says, emphasizing the film's entertainment value above all.
A Noir Tale in a Futuristic World
Set in 1939 in the fictional city of Metropia, Ray Gunn follows a private detective (Rockwell) navigating a world where humans and aliens coexist. The plot thickens when he becomes entangled with Venus Nova (Johansson), a mysterious and alluring singer. The film's visual style draws from classic noir, but also takes cues from the New York World's Fair, with a twist: the filmmakers wanted to explore the darker, seedier side beneath the shiny Art Deco surface. Art Director Wendell Luebbe and VFX Supervisor Adel Abada cited influences ranging from Mad Men to Columbo, creating a rich, layered aesthetic.
Giacchino's Tailored Score
Michael Giacchino, known for his Oscar-winning work on Up and his scores for everything from Inside Out to The Batman, approached Ray Gunn with a specific vision. "When I'm writing for his movies, I only want it to fit this movie," he says. "I don't want you to be able to take this score and throw it on anything else." Starting with the piano to find the right melody, Giacchino drew inspiration from classic noir films like The Maltese Falcon, but the full emotional depth only emerges with the orchestra. Bird, ever the jokester, added, "'Giacchino' means 'little jacket,' so it better be tailored right."
A Groundbreaking Target Audience
One of the most exciting aspects of Ray Gunn is its target audience. While most animation falls into either family-friendly G-rated fare or raunchy R-rated comedies, Bird aimed for something in between. "I wanted to broaden what an animated movie could be," he explains. The film is rated PG for violence, action, language, and suggestive material, but the footage shown to Collider suggests it skirts the line of PG-13. This makes it a perfect fit for adults and older kids who often feel underserved by animation, proving that the medium is truly for everyone.
The craftsmanship behind Ray Gunn is evident in every frame. The team emphasized the "elegance of simplicity," using specific lenses and techniques to give the film a mature, sophisticated feel. In an era of CGI overload, this approach is refreshing and puts Ray Gunn in a league of its own.
With its unique blend of noir, sci-fi, and musical elements, Ray Gunn is shaping up to be a must-watch. For more on what's coming to Netflix, check out our list of most anticipated shows of late 2026. And if you're a fan of Giacchino's work, you might also enjoy The Residence, another Netflix gem. Stay tuned for more updates on Ray Gunn as its release date approaches.
