Netflix’s upcoming animated film Ray Gunn, directed by Brad Bird, has received a new image ahead of its highly anticipated December debut. The project combines science fiction, detective noir, and a retro-futuristic visual style that sets it apart from traditional animated productions.

A Detective Story Set in a Different Future

The story takes place in Metropia, a massive city imagined through the lens of an alternate 1939. The film follows Raymond Gunn, a private investigator who becomes involved in a case involving aliens, murder, and Venus Nova, a famous multimedia star.

The setting blends classic detective fiction with futuristic technology, towering architecture, and an Art Deco-inspired aesthetic. This combination gives the movie a distinctive identity, bringing the atmosphere of old Hollywood crime stories into a science-fiction world.

Brad Bird Returns to Animation

Brad Bird, known for directing The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille, has been developing the concept for decades. The filmmaker brings his experience in animation to a project that combines mystery, futuristic world-building, and classic detective storytelling.

The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell as Raymond Gunn and Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova, alongside Tom Waits and other performers. Their characters help bring the film’s unusual world and mystery to life.

When Does Ray Gunn Premiere?

Ray Gunn is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on December 18, 2026. The film is shaping up to be one of the platform’s major animated releases of the year, particularly for viewers interested in science fiction and stories aimed beyond a traditional family-animation audience.

With its unusual setting, experienced director, and detective-driven plot, Ray Gunn could offer a fresh take on animated science fiction when it premieres.