Picture Credit: Netflix
The wait is over. Netflix has finally unveiled the stunning first trailer and gorgeous new first-look images for Brad Bird’s highly anticipated animated feature, Ray Gunn. Better yet? Cinephiles are getting a very special theatrical treat this December.
While we’ve already taken a deep dive into the massive newly announced voice cast in our separate full cast guide, we needed to take a moment to talk about the incredible first footage and the massive release news that Netflix just dropped.
If you’ve been following the journey of Ray Gunn (as we’ve tracked in our main cast and plot guide), you know director Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) has been trying to get this retro-futuristic neo-noir made for over 30 years. Now, Skydance Animation has finally brought Metropia to life, and based on the first trailer, it looks like an absolute masterpiece.
Here is everything we learned from the new trailer, the exclusive new images, the full cast list, and how you can see Ray Gunn in 70mm!
Ray Gunn Netflix Release Date
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Ray Gunn is Getting a Special 70mm Theatrical Release
As we previously reported regarding the film’s release window, the film will receive a select theatrical release starting on December 4, 2026. Most excitingly, Netflix confirmed that the movie will be available in limited 70mm engagements. It is incredibly rare for an animated film to receive a 70mm print run, signaling that Skydance and Netflix are incredibly confident in the visual spectacle Bird has crafted; naturally, tickets are expected to run out quickly, just like they have already with the screenings that have been put on at the London Film Festival in October for its two engagements on October 10th and 17th, respectively.
All of this supports a major awards push, which is something we know Netflix is pushing for, given that Variety covered just yesterday that they’ll submit “Too Much To Ask,” performed by Scarlett Johansson for consideration in the original song category at the Oscars
For those waiting to watch it from the comfort of their own homes, Ray Gunn makes its global streaming debut on Netflix on December 18, 2026. As a reminder, the movie will clock in at just under 2 hours and has a PG rating.
Picture Credit: Netflix
Breaking Down the First Trailer
The teaser trailer, clocking in at just under two and a half minutes, is soundtracked with a slick, special cut of “6 Underground” by Sneaker Pimps. The music perfectly establishes the “1939 meets the distant future” aesthetic that Bird has been teasing for decades.
“You know, photos are like this business. It’s all about the light and the dark and all the lovely shades of grey in between,” an unseen voice intones at the start of the footage, immediately setting a morally ambiguous tone.
The footage introduces us to small-time private eye Raymond “Ray” Gunn. “Mr. Dunn, I presume?” a voice asks. “So, what can I do for you?”
Ray is soon drawn into a tangled web involving emotional and allegedly violent pop star Venus Nova. The trailer’s dialogue reads like a classic Raymond Chandler novel. We hear characters warning the detective, “Be careful, Ray. We know how the world works. Nobody’s pure. We all just play.”
It’s clear the movie isn’t skimping on the danger, either. Amidst threats of being thrown out of windows and framed for murder (“I didn’t do it!”), the trailer ramps up into high-octane action, complete with hover-bike chases, blasters, and Ray’s alien sidekick yelling, “Ray! Jump!”
It perfectly closes with a line that could easily describe the film itself: “I like you, Gunn. You’re a real throwback.”
The Complete Voice Cast
Netflix’s release today also officially blew the lid off the full ensemble. Here is the complete list of everyone checking into Metropia, including the core trio we already knew about, followed by today’s massive wave of new additions:
- Previously Announced:
- Sam Rockwell as Raymond “Ray” Gunn
- Scarlett Johansson as Venus Nova
- Tom Waits as Eyera
- Matt Berry as Francis “Slugsy” Xavier
- Brad Bird as Gunsol and Musker, Slugsy’s alien henchmen
- “Buck” – Brad Bird’s former soccer coach playing the role of a weapons dealer.
- Newly Announced Today:
- Alan Tudyk as Barry Vogel
- Bobby Cannavale
- Michael Chernus
- Kether Donohue
- Michelle Rodriguez
- Aasif Mandvi
- Matt Jones
- Kathryn Hunter
- John Ratzenberger
- Justin Peck
- Patton Oswalt as a hologram
Exquisite New First-Look Images
Alongside the trailer, Netflix also dropped a batch of high-resolution stills that show off the film’s unique character designs and breathtaking lighting. From the neon-drenched skies of Metropia to the lavish art-deco interiors, it’s a visual feast. Here are all the new first looks we’ve gotten over the past few days:
Picture: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
RAY GUNN – Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell) and Barry Vogel (Alan Tudyk). Cr: Skydance Animation ©2026
Picture Credit: Netflix
RAY GUNN – Barry Vogel (Alan Tudyk), Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson), and Ray Gunn (Sam Rockwell). Cr: Skydance Animation ©2026
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
Are you going to seek out a 70mm screening of Ray Gunn this December, or will you be waiting for the Netflix drop on December 18? Let us know in the comments below!