Matt Berry plays villain Slugsy in Ray Gunn
Slugsy
Get ready to step into a neon-drenched, retro future where classic detective tropes collide with cosmic mayhem. Brad Bird is gearing up for an animated feature that promises to be a masterclass in cinematic genre-blending: Ray Gunn.
This upcoming Netflix project is far more than just animation; it’s a deep dive into the golden age of film noir, fused with futuristic sci-fi elements. Bird, known for his visually stunning work, is channeling his creativity into a world called Metropia—a colossal city existing in an alternate future, yet viewed through the nostalgic lens of 1939.
At the heart of this spectacle is private eye Raymond Gunn, who finds himself entangled in a case involving murder, aliens, and a dazzling multimedia star named Venus Nova. The logline perfectly captures this high-octane adventure: “In Metropia, a gigantic city in an alternate future as seen from 1939, private eye Raymond Gunn is drawn into a case involving aliens, murder and a multimedia star named Venus Nova.”
The vision behind the film is truly expansive. Bird, who conceived the story and co-wrote the script with Matthew Robbins, is taking a bold leap away from Pixar to collaborate with Skydance Animation. He envisions a tapestry woven from the high-stakes drama of classic detective stories and the imaginative scope of science fiction, suggesting a blend reminiscent of Maltese Falcon and Buck Rogers.
The cast is stacked with talent ready to bring this extraordinary world to life. Sam Rockwell will embody the determined Raymond Gunn, while Scarlett Johansson brings breathy pipes to the role of Venus Nova. Adding layers of unforgettable character are Tom Waits, who will portray Eyera, and veteran voice actor Matt Berry, who steps into the role of the cunning villain, Slugsy—a character familiar to audiences from What We Do in the Shadows.
Bird emphasizes the creative freedom this project offers. He believes that blending these genres allows for an exploration of cinematic elements and extreme characters. He also passionately argues for the power of animation, stating that it is an amazing art form that should not be limited in the stories it can tell.
The production is backed by a stellar group of producers, including Bird, John Lasseter, Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg, ensuring a high-quality realization of Bird’s unique vision.
Ray Gunn is set to hit screens on December 18, 2026, promising audiences a truly cinematic and unforgettable experience.
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