Ray Gunn’s Trailer and BTS Look at Brad Bird’s Animated Noir
After three decades of development, a cinematic masterpiece is finally set to arrive on Netflix: Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn. Scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, this animated feature is poised to redefine what adult animation can achieve, blending the sharp sensibilities of film noir with a bustling, retrofuturistic metropolis.
While the project has been a long-gestating passion, its mature themes and sophisticated aesthetic ensure it operates far outside the realm of family-friendly fare. It is a striking reminder that animation is capable of delivering complex, emotionally rich narratives, standing out in an industry often dominated by lighter fare.
At the heart of the story is a hard-boiled detective navigating a futuristic version of 1939, where he partners with an alien sidekick. Sam Rockwell steps into the role of the titular private eye, grappling with murder plots involving a multimedia star, Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, and his otherworldly assistant, Eyera, brought to life by the legendary musician Tom Waits.
The visual world of Ray Gunn is as meticulously crafted as its story. The character of Venus Nova is a study in contrasts, taking inspiration from classic pin-up models and Golden Age actresses, featuring 23 distinct outfits and fourteen groom variations. The design also introduces Eyera, the alien photographer, whose appearance evolves from a half-organic gumshoe to a unique, bipedal creature whose movement defies conventional animation physics, showcasing the boundless potential of imagination.
The sprawling city of Metropia is a visual feast, built upon principles of retrofuturism and stepped architecture. Drawing inspiration from the Streamline Moderne movement and the New York zoning law that prioritizes sunlight, the city design features clustered structures and curved edges that allow light to flood the streets. The result is a city that feels simultaneously vibrant and shadowed, perfectly setting the stage for the noir atmosphere.
The cinematic language of the film heavily leans into the contrast between light and dark. The cinematography, overseen by the creative team, pays deep homage to classic film noir, referencing influential works like Tucker: The Man and His Dream and the visual storytelling of Russell Metty. This emphasis on high contrast and shadow elevates the world of Ray Gunn, making the environment feel more alive and atmospheric than many live-action noirs.
The entire production process has been dedicated to achieving this unique blend of style and substance. With visionary input from director Brad Bird, composer Michael Giacchino, and key design contributors, the final product promises to be a rare and wonderful animated masterpiece—a work that proves that adult storytelling can be both deeply complex and visually stunning.
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