Ray Gunn movie cast: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Waits confirmed
Brad Bird’s upcoming animated feature Ray Gunn has officially announced a star-studded voice cast. Academy Award–winner Sam Rockwell is set to voice Raymond “Ray” Gunn himself, the titular private eye, while Scarlett Johansson joins as the enigmatic pop star Venus Nova. Oscar-nominee Tom Waits rounds out the lead cast, voicing Eyera, Ray’s one-eyed alien friend.
These announcements came in early April 2026 alongside Netflix’s first-look reveal, confirming Rockwell, Johansson, and Waits as key players. (Previous reports had noted that veteran Pixar voice actor John Ratzenberger had also signed on in an undisclosed role.) The trio’s inclusion immediately signals a mature, high-profile production: Rockwell, Johansson and Waits bring decades of experience in drama, sci-fi and voice roles to Bird’s long-gestating noir.
What is Ray Gunn about? Plot details of Brad Bird’s animated sci-fi noir film
In Ray Gunn, the story is set in Metropia, “a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939”. The official synopsis describes private eye Ray Gunn (Rockwell) drawn into “a case involving aliens, murder and a multimedia star named Venus Nova”. In other words, the film blends detective noir with retro-futuristic sci-fi: Gunn investigates a high-profile murder in the underbelly of a towering city of the future, involving the glittering celebrity Venus Nova (Johansson) and extraterrestrial elements.
Brad Bird himself calls the film’s premise a mash-up of “sci-fi and classic detective movies from the ’40s,” describing it as “Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers”. That combination of hardboiled mystery and vintage sci-fi pulp has informed the plot from the script’s 1990s origins to today’s Netflix production.
Ray Gunn release date on Netflix: when is the movie coming out?
Netflix has confirmed that Ray Gunn will premiere on its streaming platform sometime in 2026, although no exact date has been set yet. In April 2026 Netflix’s Tudum blog announced the film “will beam onto your screens later this year,” and explicitly stated “Ray Gunn will stream in 2026, only on Netflix”.
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 likewise indicate a 2026 release window. Skydance Animation executives told The Hollywood Reporter that Ray Gunn is slated to premiere next year (2026). Though a precise month hasn’t been revealed, insiders expect it as part of Netflix’s 2026 release slate, possibly in the fall. Fans should watch for more announcements, but it’s clear the film will arrive on Netflix in 2026.
Who plays Raymond Gunn? Sam Rockwell’s role explained
Sam Rockwell, known for his versatile character work, voices Raymond “Ray” Gunn – the film’s grizzled private detective protagonist. According to Netflix’s first-look article, Rockwell’s character is “a small-time private eye in a time when most detective work has been taken over by machines.” This suggests Ray is something of a classic gumshoe stranded in a futuristic world, relying on wit over technology. Brad Bird praises Rockwell as “a wonderful actor” whose performance sets a high bar for the animators. In interviews Bird notes that Ray Gunn is Bird’s long-anticipated leading man – the last human detective in Metropia. Rockwell’s casting signals a character who is world-weary yet resourceful, the hard-boiled hero at the heart of this sci-fi noir.
Scarlett Johansson’s character Venus Nova in Ray Gunn explained
Scarlett Johansson brings to life Venus Nova, described as Metropia’s “world’s most famous pop star”. In the film, Venus Nova is at the center of the mystery: her celebrity and scandals “threaten to destroy her career — and may even cost her her life,” according to Bird. All cast descriptions and loglines make it clear that Venus Nova is the multimedia star for whom Gunn is investigating a case.
The concept art (see first-look images) even shows Ray Gunn standing before a giant image of a glamorous blonde woman – presumably Venus Nova – indicating her pervasive media presence. Johansson herself called working with Brad Bird “a career milestone,” reflecting how special the role is for her. In short, Venus Nova is Ray’s high-profile client or suspect: a 1930s-style femme fatale set against a futuristic backdrop.
Tom Waits’ alien character Eyera in Ray Gunn breakdown
Veteran musician-actor Tom Waits voices Eyera, Ray’s one-eyed alien sidekick and most trusted colleague. Eyera is described as “Ray’s most trusted compatriot, who also happens to be a one-eyed alien”. Concept art from the Netflix first look clearly shows Ray sitting across from a green-skinned creature (Eyera) in a detective’s office. Eyera has a squat build, a long snout, and a single large eye, giving him a distinctly extraterrestrial appearance. Bird chose Waits for the role because of his unique vocal presence – Waits has done voice work in animation before (e.g. Coraline). We can expect Eyera to provide both alien flavor and comic-relief gruffness, supporting Ray through the noir investigation while adding a sci-fi twist.
Ray Gunn first look: what the retro-futuristic world of Metropia looks like
The first official images of Ray Gunn reveal a futuristic metropolis blending 1930s Art Deco design with high-tech elements. In the concept art above, a holographic statue and flying cars fill the skyline under gleaming skyscrapers – a vision Bird calls an “Art Deco-inspired, pre-World War II” future. The giant holographic text “WELCOME TO THE FUTURE” hints at the optimistic yet over-the-top retro vibe of Metropia. Buildings are sleek and streamlined, and people even use jetpacks – Bird specifically mentions roads of sky and tall architecture continuing on forever. This blend of old-school optimism with modern technology captures the “Buck Rogers” side of the Maltese Falcon/Buck Rogers mashup that Bird cites, making Metropia itself feel like a character.
Another still shows Ray Gunn (left) and a colleague standing in a richly decorated office, their reflections cast onto a massive portrait of a blonde woman – likely Venus Nova. The muted, warm lighting and wood paneling emphasize a noir detective ambience, while the giant advertisement-style image behind them conveys the pervasive celebrity culture of Metropia. The juxtaposition of Ray (bow tie and trenchcoat) with that modern poster underscores the film’s blend of 1930s detective style and futuristic world. Every detail – from Ray’s classic fedora to the holographic decor – reinforces that this world is vintage and futuristic at once.
In this scene from the Ray Gunn first look, Ray sits at a detective’s desk (notice the “Private Detective” license on the wall) talking to Eyera, who is slouched in a chair. The window blinds casting shadows across Ray’s face give it a classic noir feel. Eyera’s alien features (green skin, large eye, slender fingers) stand out starkly against the mundane office setting, immediately signaling the film’s sci-fi element. This image emphasizes that Metropia’s detectives work alongside aliens as commonplace, visually grounding the premise that Ray Gunn is “the last human private detective in a futuristic world inhabited by humans and aliens”.
Brad Bird Ray Gunn movie: everything to know about the director’s long-awaited project
For director Brad Bird, Ray Gunn has been a passion project for over three decades. Bird originally wrote Ray Gunn in the late 1990s at Warner Bros. Animation, long before his debut with The Iron Giant. A 1996 script described the setting as “the sprawling, magnificent city of Metropia”, showing Bird’s vision was already intact over 25 years ago. The project was shelved when Bird made The Iron Giant (1999) and later turned down by Pixar (leading to The Incredibles instead).
It finally resurfaced in 2022 when Bird re-teamed with former Pixar chief John Lasseter at Skydance Animation. In interviews Bird emphasizes that Ray Gunn is ambitious and different – he wanted to prove animation can tell adult, cinematic stories. The director describes it as his first film since 2018’s The Incredibles 2, a blend of genres that represents where he is “currently on [his] artistic journey”. In short, Ray Gunn is Brad Bird’s long-awaited tribute to noir and sci-fi, realized at last on Netflix after years in limbo.
Ray Gunn genre explained: sci-fi, detective noir and cyberpunk influences
Ray Gunn is explicitly a sci-fi detective noir (sometimes called “neo-noir”) animated film. Bird himself says it “was always meant to be a blend of sci-fi and classic detective movies from the ’40s”. The genre influences range from the Maltese Falcon and other 1930s-40s mystery fiction to futuristic science fiction like Buck Rogers. There’s also a hint of modern cyberpunk and retro-futurism: towering cityscapes and neon signs (see first look art) evoke works like Blade Runner or Bioshock (though Bird emphasizes a more optimistic 1930s style than dystopian noir).
In practice, viewers can expect hardboiled detective tropes (private eyes, femme fatales, smoky offices) merged with lasers, aliens, flying vehicles, and skyscrapers piercing the clouds. Inverse calls it an “adult-skewing neo-noir sci-fi mystery”, underlining that it honors both classic noir grit and the imaginative futurism of cyberpunkish designs. Bird’s pitch: Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers captures this fusion.
Is Ray Gunn an adult animated film? Tone and target audience explained
Yes. Ray Gunn is being positioned as an adult-oriented animated film, rather than a typical children’s cartoon. Brad Bird and Netflix emphasize that this is “a different kind of offering,” one aimed at persuading people who “don’t watch animation”. Both Bird and press reports make clear that the target demographic skews older: Inverse notes “this one isn’t for animation fans” but rather adults, and Bird specifically wants to convert non-animation-watchers by showing the medium’s potential.
The tone in promotional materials supports this – a noir mystery about murder and intrigue, voiced by mature actors, and set in a gritty retro-futuristic city. Critics call it a “sci-fi noir” which implies complexity and violence more suited to grown-ups. In short, Ray Gunn continues Bird’s reputation for making animated films that appeal to all ages, but it deliberately courts an adult audience with darker, more sophisticated themes.
Ray Gunn production history: why the film took over 30 years to develop
The long development of Ray Gunn has several causes. Bird first conceived and wrote the story in the mid-1990s with co-writer Matthew Robbins. However, industry shifts delayed it: Turner Feature Animation (where Bird was working) merged with Time Warner, and Bird went on to make The Iron Giant and later The Incredibles instead. He even pitched the project at Pixar, but Pixar chose to make The Incredibles (2004) from his ideas instead. After that, Bird kept Ray Gunn on the back burner for decades.
It resurged when Bird signed with Skydance Animation in 2021. Various production changes have further delayed it: it was originally planned as hand-drawn animation, but in 2023 it switched to CGI and the budget was set around $150 million. At one point Apple TV+ had the rights but dropped the film in 2024 (part of a Skydance deal fallout). Netflix eventually picked it up, and production (at Skydance) began in earnest by 2024. In summary, a mix of studio mergers, shifting priorities, and scale meant it took over 30 years for Bird’s sci-fi noir to finally start moving toward release.
Skydance Animation and Netflix partnership behind Ray Gunn movie
Ray Gunn is a product of the Skydance Animation – Netflix collaboration. Skydance Animation (headed by John Lasseter and Holly Edwards) signed Brad Bird to direct Ray Gunn in 2021, reuniting him with his former Pixar colleagues. Under that partnership, Skydance brought on producers including Skydance’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg along with Lasseter. Netflix then stepped in to fund the film; as World of Reel notes, Netflix was “the only studio willing to back its hefty $150M budget,” after Apple TV+ walked away.
The Netflix deal comes via Skydance’s multi-year output deal to release animated films exclusively on Netflix. Thus, Ray Gunn is financed and produced by Skydance Animation (with Bird, Lasseter, etc. as producers) and will premiere on Netflix. This partnership — Bird and Lasseter at Skydance, Netflix distribution — finally allowed the film to move forward after years without a home.
Ray Gunn voice cast full list and additional casting updates
Beyond the marquee names (Rockwell, Johansson, Waits), Ray Gunn will include a few other notable voice talents. Early news revealed that John Ratzenberger (the Pixar stalwart known for the Underminer in Incredibles) is part of the cast. (He reportedly began recording his role in late 2025, though his character’s name is unannounced.) There may be other supporting roles still unrevealed; Bird mentioned more casting announcements are still to come. In production updates, John Ratzenberger’s involvement was highlighted because he’s appeared in all of Bird’s Pixar features.
No other voice names have been officially confirmed beyond those, but with the main trio and Ratzenberger attached, the cast is already notable. On the production side, composer Michael Giacchino (longtime Bird collaborator) has also signed on to score the film, adding another familiar name to the creative team.
How Ray Gunn compares to The Incredibles and The Iron Giant
Brad Bird’s new film shares some DNA with his earlier hits but also differs in key ways. Like The Incredibles, Ray Gunn features a retro-futuristic aesthetic – in both films you see a 1960s-style vision of future technology and architecture, and both have scores by Michael Giacchino. The Iron Giant also had a historical sci-fi setting, though that one was 1950s Americana while Ray Gunn is 1930s-style noir. Importantly, The Incredibles and Iron Giant were family-friendly, while Ray Gunn is deliberately aimed at adults. Inverse notes that despite the similar “future-as-seen-by-the-past” vibe, the big difference is that Ray Gunn’s “target demographic” is adults, even people who “don’t watch animation”.
However, fans of Bird’s cinematic style can expect similar hallmarks: strong voice acting, action sequences and witty scripts. Ray Gunn may refine Bird’s approach by bringing his storytelling skills fully to animation for grown-ups, akin to how Iron Giant and Ratatouille did for children’s animation. In summary, Ray Gunn is like a noir-flavored cousin to The Incredibles – sharing a shiny sci-fi sheen – but with a mature, crime-centric plot more reminiscent of Bird’s live-action work (e.g. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol).
Why Ray Gunn could redefine modern animated storytelling in 2026
Ray Gunn has the potential to push the boundaries of what adult animation can be. Brad Bird intends it to prove “animation isn’t just a kids’ medium,” and Netflix is banking on its unique appeal. The film tackles a gritty detective story with complex themes and a noir tone rarely seen in mainstream animation. Its high production values (reported $150M+ budget) and cinematic approach may set a new bar for mature animated films.
If successful, Ray Gunn could encourage streaming platforms and studios to greenlight more ambitious adult-skewing projects. Bird himself says he’s “been a fan” of blending genres and hopes this persuades more people to watch animation. In the context of 2026, Ray Gunn represents a watershed moment: a career-spanning project finally realized, potentially inspiring a new wave of storytelling that treats animation as a rich medium for all audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Ray Gunn?
It’s an upcoming Netflix original animated film from director Brad Bird, described as a sci-fi detective noir set in a retro-futuristic city (Metropia) in 1939-style future. - Who is directing and writing Ray Gunn?
It’s written and directed by Brad Bird (of The Incredibles and Iron Giant fame) along with co-writer Matthew Robbins (a partnership dating back to the 1990s). - Who are the stars of Ray Gunn?
The main voice cast includes Sam Rockwell (as Ray Gunn), Scarlett Johansson (as Venus Nova), and Tom Waits (as Eyera). John Ratzenberger is also on the cast, among others. - When will Ray Gunn be released?
It will be released on Netflix in 2026, though Netflix has not given an exact date yet. It is expected to be part of Netflix’s 2026 release slate. - What’s the story of Ray Gunn?
Ray Gunn follows the last human detective (Ray) investigating a murder case that involves aliens and a pop superstar (Venus Nova) in a futuristic city. - Is Ray Gunn animated in 2D or CGI?
While it was originally planned as hand-drawn animation, Bird later shifted the film to CGI to match its scale and budget. - Why did Ray Gunn take so long to make?
The project began in the 1990s, but Bird ended up working on other films (like The Iron Giant and The Incredibles). It languished for decades until Bird signed with Skydance in 2021, and only recently secured Netflix funding. - Is Ray Gunn aimed at kids or adults?
It’s aimed at adults. Bird and reporters stress it’s an adult-skewing film, with a noir crime story and themes that appeal to older viewers. - Who is scoring the movie?
Composer Michael Giacchino (who scored The Incredibles) is attached to compose the music for Ray Gunn. - What companies are producing Ray Gunn?
The film is produced by Skydance Animation (with Bird, John Lasseter, David Ellison, Lisa Beroud, Dana Goldberg, etc. producing) and will be distributed by Netflix as part of a Skydance-Netflix partnership.
Conclusion
Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated animated films of 2026, blending classic noir with sci-fi flair. Its combination of A-list talent (both behind the camera and in the booth), a decades-old ambition finally realized, and a commitment to adult storytelling makes it stand out. While specific details like a release date are pending, we now know the core plot and cast, and we have a vivid first look at Metropia’s world. As Bird has long promised, Ray Gunn looks ready to push animation’s boundaries. Fans of Bird’s work, noir mysteries, or bold animation projects have much to look forward to when Ray Gunn arrives on Netflix next year.
Sources and citation
- Netflix Tudum – “Ray Gunn First Look: The Newest Animated Film from Brad Bird Starring Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson” (April 9, 2026)
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/ray-gunn-first-look - World of Reel – “Netflix Unveils First Images of Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’ With Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Waits” by Jordan Ruimy (Apr 9, 2026)
https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2026/4/9/netflix-unveils-first-images-of-brad-birds-ray-gunn-with-sam-rockwell-scarlett-johansson-and-tom-waits - World of Reel – “Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’ Releases in 2026” by Jordan Ruimy (Nov 9, 2025)
https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2025/11/9/brad-birds-ray-gunn-releases-in-2026 - Inverse – “30 Years Later, A Long-Dormant Sci-Fi Noir Is Finally Coming To Netflix” by Dais Johnston (April 10, 2026)
https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/ray-gunn-brad-bird-netflix-preview - The Playlist – “‘Ray Gunn’: Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell & Tom Waits Join Voice Cast Of Brad Bird’s Animated Film At Netflix” by Ned Booth (Apr 9, 2026)
https://theplaylist.net/ray-gunn-scarlett-johansson-sam-rockwell-tom-waits-brad-bird-netflix-20260409/ - The Wrap – “Animated Detective Noir ‘Ray Gunn’ From Brad Bird Finally in the Works at Skydance” by Drew Taylor (Feb 17, 2022)
https://www.thewrap.com/brad-bird-ray-gunn-skydance-animation/ - Official Netflix / Tudum statements and press releases
https://www.netflix.com/tudum
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