Metropia is a city of soaring Art Deco spires and deep, dangerous shadows. After decades of development hell, director Brad Bird is finally delivering his most ambitious project to date: Ray Gunn. This film marks a significant shift for the director of The Incredibles, moving away from family-friendly superheroics into the gritty, hardboiled world of adult-oriented animated noir.
Produced by Skydance Animation for Netflix, the film features a massive budget exceeding $150 million. It promises a visual feast that blends 1930s detective tropes with high-concept science fiction. Whether you are a fan of classic cinema or modern animation, here is the definitive guide to the cast, characters, and release schedule for this 2026 blockbuster.
Official Release Dates and Streaming Schedule
Netflix has confirmed a multi-stage release plan for Ray Gunn. Fans will have three primary opportunities to see the film, including a special high-fidelity theatrical run for cinephiles. Mark your calendars with these specific dates:
- October 10, 2026: World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.
- December 4, 2026: Limited theatrical release in the United States, featuring exclusive 70mm screenings in select cities.
- December 18, 2026: Official global streaming debut on Netflix.
This tiered rollout ensures that the film can generate awards buzz through its festival appearance and theatrical window before becoming available to millions of Netflix subscribers just before the Christmas holiday.
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The Cast of Ray Gunn: Who Voices Whom?
The voice cast for Ray Gunn is a powerhouse collection of Hollywood veterans and character actors. The film reunites Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, bringing their undeniable chemistry to the animated realm.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Sam Rockwell | Raymond “Ray” Gunn |
| Scarlett Johansson | Venus Nova |
| Tom Waits | Eye-Ra |
| Matt Berry | Francis “Slugsy” Xavier |
| Bobby Cannavale | Venus’ Husband |
| Alan Tudyk | Barry Vogel |
| Patton Oswalt | Hologram |
Additional cast members include Michael Chernus as Sam (a studio fixer) and director Brad Bird himself, who provides the voices for alien henchmen named Gunsol and Musker. Kathryn Hunter and John Ratzenberger are also confirmed in undisclosed roles.
Metropia: A World of Humans and Aliens
The setting of Metropia is a character in its own right. Brad Bird describes the city as a dazzling retro-futuristic metropolis where humans and aliens coexist, albeit with a dark underbelly. The aesthetic is heavily inspired by Art Deco architecture and the streamlined designs of the 1930s.
One of the most unique elements of this world is the presence of “pry bots.” These tiny mechanical devices have replaced the traditional legwork of private investigators. However, the protagonist, Raymond Gunn, remains a “flameout” of a detective who refuses to rely on automation, choosing instead to pound the asphalt in a city that has largely moved past him.
Plot Details: The Maltese Falcon Meets Buck Rogers
Brad Bird’s elevator pitch for the film is a mashup of The Maltese Falcon and Buck Rogers. The story centers on Ray Gunn, the last human private eye, who finds himself entangled in the orbit of Venus Nova. As one of the most famous women in the world, Venus represents the peak of Metropian glamour, but her life is threatened by a scandal that could cost her more than just her career.
Ray must navigate a treacherous landscape of alien mobsters, corporate fixers, and shifting loyalties. The mystery is deeply rooted in the traditions of film noir, drawing influence from classics like The Big Sleep, Out of the Past, and Chinatown. The director even consulted with legendary screenwriter Robert Towne to ensure the mystery beats were as sharp as possible.
A 30-Year Journey to the Screen
The history of Ray Gunn is almost as legendary as the film itself. Bird first conceived the idea in the early 1990s at Turner Feature Animation. When Turner merged with Time Warner in 1996, the project was shelved, and Bird moved on to direct The Iron Giant.
For decades, Bird kept the rights to the script, refusing to let the idea die. It was only after signing a major deal with Skydance Animation in 2021 that the project received the funding and creative freedom it required. This long gestation period has allowed the film to evolve into a more mature, PG-rated experience that defies the typical expectations of mainstream animation.
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Production and Technical Credits
Ray Gunn reunites Brad Bird with several of his most frequent collaborators. The technical pedigree behind the film is a significant draw for animation enthusiasts:
- Director/Writer: Brad Bird.
- Co-Writer: Matthew Robbins (who previously worked with Bird on Batteries Not Included).
- Producers: John Lasseter, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg.
- Composer: Michael Giacchino, providing a score that blends jazz and sci-fi elements.
- Editor: Darren T. Holmes.
- Character Designers: Teddy Newton and Tony Fucile.
The film runs for a brisk 119 minutes, making it a substantial narrative experience. With its $150 million budget, Skydance Animation is positioning this as their flagship project for the Netflix partnership.
Ray Gunn represents the culmination of a three-decade dream for Brad Bird. With a stellar cast led by Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, and a unique visual style that marries the past with the future, it is set to be one of the most talked-about films of 2026. Whether you catch it in 70mm or on your home screen, Metropia is a destination you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is Ray Gunn a sequel to The Incredibles?
No. Ray Gunn is an original story and a standalone film. It is a neo-noir science fiction mystery and is not related to the superhero universe of The Incredibles.
2.What is the age rating for Ray Gunn?
The film is rated PG. While it is animated, Brad Bird has stated that it is intended to be a more “adult” project in terms of tone and genre, appealing to fans of classic detective movies.
3.When can I watch Ray Gunn on Netflix?
The official streaming release date is December 18, 2026.
4.Will there be a theatrical release?
Yes. A limited theatrical run begins on December 4, 2026, including special 70mm screenings in select locations.
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