Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn trailer stuns with a 70mm splash and star voices

Brad Bird’s long‑awaited animated feature *Ray Gunn* just dropped its first trailer, revealing a star‑studded voice cast and a surprising 70 mm theatrical window. The film is set to stream on Netflix on December 18, after a limited theatrical showing in select venues on December 4.

The trailer showcases Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Waits among the voices.

Set in Metropia, a sprawling city of the future viewed through a 1939 lens, *Ray Gunn* follows private eye Raymond Gunn as he is pulled into a murder mystery that centers on multimedia star Venus Nova. Johansson voices Nova, while Waits lends his gravelly voice to another key role.

Bird described the project as a 30‑year passion endeavor at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in July, noting that it has been an obsession since early in his career. The film is produced by Netflix and Skydance Animation, with John Lasseter, Bird, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Lisa Beroud at the helm.

In addition to the headline talent, the voice roster includes Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Chernus, Kether Donohue, Michelle Rodriguez, Aasif Mandvi, Matt Jones, Kathryn Hunter, John Ratzenberger, Justin Peck and Patton Oswalt.

This diverse lineup brings a mix of seasoned comedians and veteran actors to the futuristic setting.

## Background & Context

Brad Bird, best known for directing Oscar‑winning hits *The Incredibles* and *Ratatouille*, has long teased the concept of *Ray Gunn*. The project’s premise—a neon‑lit metropolis blending 1930s aesthetics with advanced alien technology—has evolved over decades, .

The film’s creative team includes long‑time collaborators such as John Lasseter, who co‑produces, and Skydance Animation’s leadership, with David Ellison and Dana Goldberg also credited. Lisa Beroud serves as a co‑producer, rounding out the production lineup.

Bird’s announcement at Annecy highlighted how *Ray Gunn* represents a personal vision that has simmered for thirty years, drawing on his experience in animation and his fascination with retro‑futuristic worlds. The long‑term project showcases Bird’s enduring interest in blending classic visual styles with speculative storytelling.

## What Happens Next

The trailer’s release marks the first visual glimpse for audiences, after the film’s streaming debut on Netflix was confirmed for December 18. A limited theatrical window opens on December 4, with a 70 mm format available in a handful of venues worldwide.

Fans of Bird’s earlier work will also encounter a roster of familiar voices, including Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, and Patton Oswalt, among others. The inclusion of veteran actor Tom Waits adds a distinct tonal layer to the film’s soundtrack.

With both theatrical and streaming dates set, anticipation builds for the release of this long‑shaded project. Viewers can expect a blend of classic animation sensibilities with modern storytelling techniques, as promised by Bird during his festival remarks.

Ray Gunn’s debut trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse of a world where retro charm meets alien intrigue, while the limited 70 mm screenings and December 18 Netflix premiere promise to deliver the film’s rich visual and narrative experience to audiences worldwide.

The film’s unique aesthetic, coupled with its seasoned voice cast, is poised to attract both long‑time fans of Bird and new viewers drawn to the retro‑futuristic concept.