Ray Gunn Finally Lands: A Misheard Song, a 30-Year Wait and a Standing Ovation in London

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…

By Reetam Bodhak

October 12, 2026

3 min read

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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.