Director Brad Bird Teases Long-Awaited Sci-Fi Epic Ray Gunn for Netflix

AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·

Director Brad Bird Teases Long-Awaited Sci-Fi Epic Ray Gunn for Netflix

Skydance Animation and Netflix revealed first-look images for Ray Gunn, a retro-futuristic sci-fi noir directed by Brad Bird and starring Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, targeting a 2026 release.

Skydance Animation and Netflix have shared a first look at Ray Gunn, the upcoming sci-fi project from acclaimed director Brad Bird. Set for a 2026 release, the film marks Bird's first feature since Incredibles 2 in 2018. Bird brings an impressive animation pedigree to the table, having previously directed hits like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille. For animation fans and cinephiles tracking major streaming releases, this new production represents a significant creative milestone.

Ray Gunn has been in development for decades, with Bird originally penning the script back in 1996 around the same time he signed on to direct The Iron Giant. The story is set in a retro-futuristic metropolis called Metropia and follows a private investigator named Raymond Gunn, voiced by Sam Rockwell. According to the official description, the plot centers on a complex case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova, alongside Scarlett Johansson joining the voice cast.

Describing the creative vision behind the project, Bird noted that the film blends classic 1940s detective tropes with science fiction, essentially positioning the story as a mix of The Maltese Falcon and Buck Rogers. While a full trailer has not dropped yet, the newly revealed concept images showcase the distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic. As streaming platforms increasingly invest in auteur-driven animated features that appeal to broad audiences, Ray Gunn stands out as a passion project worth watching closely when it arrives later this year. Original reporting comes via Polygon, and you can read their full coverage at the link below.

Source: Polygon

Tags: Animation, Netflix, Streaming, Sci-Fi, Entertainment

Original article: Polygon