Some films take years. Ray Gunn took more than 30 years. Brad Bird’s retro-futuristic detective epic has finally been seen by an audience, and the crowd at the BFI London Film Festival (celebrating its 70th anniversary) seemed to love it.
Ray Gunn : Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Ray Gunn |
| Director | Brad Bird |
| Genre | Animated sci-fi noir |
| Premiere | BFI London Film Festival (Oct 10, 2026) |
| Voice cast | Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits, Matt Berry and more |
| Composer | Michael Giacchino |
| Netflix release | December 18, 2026 |
| Before that | Limited 70mm theatrical run |
| Rotten Tomatoes (debut) | 91% critics’ score |
The Premiere Night
The screening drew plenty of laughter and warm applause as the credits rolled. The festival’s artistic director called the film a “sunny, incredible blast,” and Bird took the stage for a Q&A with Giacchino, Johansson and Rockwell, who voices private eye Raymond “Ray” Gunn. Netflix’s head of film, Dan Lin, was also in the audience.
A Misheard Song Started It All
Bird revealed that the project began somewhat by accident. The first time he heard the B-52s’ “Planet Claire,” he thought it was a version of the Peter Gunn theme. He realized it wasn’t, and the name “Ray Gunn” stuck. Music inspired the film, and it plays a big role in it.
The night’s sweetest moment came when Bird noted it was Giacchino’s birthday, and the whole audience sang to him.
Why Scarlett Johansson Said Yes?
Johansson voices the multimedia star Venus Nova, and her reason was simple: Bird. She said she’s a huge fan and had long dreamed of working with him. She also described recording much of her part one-on-one with the director in the same room, which made the process different from her other animated work. When Rockwell joined, the sessions got looser, and Bird shared that he had a photo of the two lying on the floor and talking, which he felt showed why they work so well.
What Critics Are Saying?
| Critic | Verdict |
|---|---|
| The Guardian | 5/5, praised it as smart, witty and humane |
| IGN | 8/10, a love letter to film noir and old-school sci-fi |
| What’s on Netflix | 3.5/5, mesmerizing but safe |
| The Hollywood Reporter | Negative, found it a jumble of clichés |
| Screen International | Praised visuals, found the script laboured |
The reaction isn’t unanimous. Some critics felt it isn’t funny enough or runs long, so expect a mix of fans and skeptics.
How to Watch?
Ray Gunn arrives on Netflix on December 18, 2026. If you want the big-screen version, a limited 70mm theatrical run comes first.
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FAQs
Q1. When does Ray Gunn release on Netflix?
It arrives globally on December 18, 2026, after a limited 70mm theatrical run.
Q2. Why did Scarlett Johansson join Ray Gunn?
She said she was drawn to the film because of director Brad Bird, whose work she greatly admires.
