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Tag: Buck Rogers

  • Brad Bird says there will be no Ratatouille 2: “That story is told”

    While the world celebrates Pixar’s legacy of imaginative storytelling, few films resonate with the simple warmth and charm of Ratatouille. This delightful tale, which follows a young rat’s ambitious journey to become a chef and his unlikely partnership with a garbage boy, remains a beloved classic. Yet, even amidst such cinematic success, the director, Brad Bird, has made some interesting choices about where to take his next creative ventures.

    When asked about making a sequel, Bird offered a firm but philosophical answer: “No. I don’t.” He explained that while there are always little feints toward sequels, successful stories don’t necessarily need a follow-up. As he noted, the narrative arc of Ratatouille is complete, and the story is told.

    This stance reflects a broader artistic philosophy Bird holds about the power of animation. He believes that animation is an amazing art form that deserves to be seen by more people, arguing that limiting the medium restricts what kind of stories can be told.

    Bird’s focus now shifts to a much grander, long-held passion project: Ray Gunn. This concept has been simmering in his mind for over three decades, blending genres in a way that promises a truly cinematic experience.

    Ray Gunn is envisioned as a blend of classic detective thrillers and science fiction. The premise places private eye Raymond Gunn in the sprawling alternate future city of Metropia, where he must navigate a complex case involving aliens, murder, and a famous multimedia star named Venus Nova.

    The project boasts an impressive cast, featuring Sam Rockwell as the stoic Ray Gunn, Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, and Tom Waits portraying Eyera, Ray’s trusted compatriot and a one-eyed alien. Bird has drawn inspiration from classic cinematic pairings, seeing the film as a mashup of genres like Maltese Falcon and Buck Rogers.

    Though initially shelved after directing The Iron Giant, this ambitious vision is finally ready for the screen. Fans can look forward to Ray Gunn arriving on Netflix on December 18, offering an adventure that combines futuristic intrigue with timeless detective flair.

    Credit: JoBlo

  • When will Ray Gunn start streaming on Netflix?

    Brad Bird’s Retro Future

    When you pair visionary storytelling with a dash of vintage glamour, the result is pure cinematic alchemy. Director Brad Bird has long captivated audiences by taking them into futuristic worlds through a delightfully retro aesthetic. Now, he is channeling that same imaginative energy into an upcoming animated feature for Netflix, Ray Gunn, a project that expertly fuses classic detective film noirs with mind-bending science fiction.

    This new venture throws us into the sprawling city of Metropia, an alternate future setting viewed through the lens of 1939. The narrative centers on private eye Raymond Gunn, who finds himself entangled in a complex case involving aliens, murder, and the dazzling multimedia star, Venus Nova. It is a tale that feels steeped in atmosphere—a perfect blend of genre mashups like Maltese Falcon meeting Buck Rogers.

    The production is anchored by an exceptional cast ready to bring these cinematic archetypes to life. Sam Rockwell takes on the role of Raymond Gunn, while Scarlett Johansson brings her signature breathy pipes to the role of Venus Nova. Adding another layer of intrigue, Tom Waits is set to portray Eyera, further enriching the world of Metropia.

    The vision for Ray Gunn extends far beyond the surface story; it is a deep dive into cinematic storytelling itself. Bird, who conceived the film and co-wrote the script with Matthew Robbins, aims to push the boundaries of what animation can achieve. He views animation not as a limitation, but as an incredible medium capable of telling stories that are too grand for ordinary minds.

    Bird has expressed a profound interest in blending these disparate cinematic elements, seeing it as a chance to explore extreme characters and highly cinematic storytelling. “RAY GUNN has been in my mind for over 30 years,” he shared, describing the project as a delightful collision of sci-fi and classic detective tropes.

    The creative team behind this vision includes a stellar lineup, with producers such as John Lasseter, Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg overseeing the animation at Skydance Animation. The synergy between Bird’s unique sensibility and the animation studio promises something truly extraordinary.

    For the lead actress, Scarlett Johansson views this collaboration as a career milestone. She is thrilled to work with Brad Bird, calling the project uniquely special because it represents a total realization of his artistic journey, and she cannot wait for audiences to see the extraordinary animation unfolding on screen.

    Mark your calendars: Netflix has locked in a premiere date for Ray Gunn, set to entertain audiences around Christmastime on December 18, 2026.

    RAY GUNN – Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell) and Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson).
    RAY GUNN – Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson) and Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell).

    Credit: JoBlo