After more than three decades in development, Ray Gunn, the new film by Brad Bird, has finally been seen by an audience. The retro-futuristic detective film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Whats on Netflix critic Rendy Jones gave it a 3.5 out of 5 in his full review, describing it as a fascinating yet safe sci-fi noir proposal. The festival audience, however, showed no reservations: there was laughter throughout the screening and a loud round of applause when the credits rolled.
The festival's artistic director, Kristy Matheson, introduced the screening by calling the film a sunny and incredible burst of cinema. She described Bird as one of the undisputed greats of animation, mentioning The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille, before inviting him to the stage alongside composer Michael Giacchino and stars Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell, who voices private detective Raymond Ray Gunn. Dan Lin, head of film at Netflix, was also present, signaling strong backing from the studio's leadership.
It all started with a misheard The B-52’s song
When asked how the project came about so many years ago, Bird admitted it started in a somewhat absurd way. The first time he heard Planet Claire by The B-52's, he was convinced it was something completely different.
I thought it was a new version of Henry Mancini's theme for Peter Gunn. And I said to myself, this is great. And then I thought, no, it's not Peter Gunn. What is it? What is it? It's Ray Gunn. And then I said, hmm, that's great. And from there, everything kept moving forward.
Bird had already told this anecdote during his panel at Annecy last June. In London, he added that the film was inspired by the music and that it plays an important role in the movie.
That same musical mention led to the most endearing moment of the night. While talking about being inspired by music, Bird remembered it was Michael Giacchino's birthday, and Matheson immediately encouraged the entire audience to sing Happy Birthday to him.
Scarlett Johansson: what drew me in was Brad
Scarlett Johansson voices Venus Nova, the multimedia star whose role Netflix revealed in April. When asked what had drawn her to the project, she did not hesitate to respond.
What drew me in was Brad, honestly. I was very excited to work with him. I'm a huge fan of his. It was a dream to collaborate with him on anything... I wanted to work with him so much.
Johansson added that Bird had written, like all his characters, very complex figures, and assured that the process was different from other animation jobs she had participated in.
I've worked with directors who direct animated films, but it was a very different experience working with Brad on this, because he approaches the project from many other artistic perspectives.
A large part of her recordings were done alone with the director. As she explained, acting in front of Brad in the same space was something different and fun, to which Bird joked that it is an obstacle that must be overcome.
Things changed when Sam Rockwell joined for the joint scenes. Johansson noted that when Sam arrived and they were able to work together, the result was chaotic in a different, but equally positive way. Bird, for his part, offered proof of how relaxed those sessions became: he recounted that he has a clear image of both of them lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, having a conversation while lying there, something he considers the key to why they work so well together.
Michael Giacchino on working with Brad Bird
Ray Gunn reunites Bird with Giacchino, his composer on The Incredibles and Ratatouille. When asked how they approach a new project together, Giacchino responded with a very personal comparison.
It's like being 12 years old and not being able to wait to get out of the house, go to the house next door, be best friends, and create something. That's what it's all about. That's how we work together.
According to the composer, that is where the honesty between them is born. He added that he can tell Bird anything no matter what, because the only thing that matters is what ends up on screen.
That chemistry is perceived in the final result. In his review, Rendy Jones highlighted Giacchino's score as one of the strong points of the film's action sequences.
Ray Gunn debuts with 91% on Rotten Tomatoes
The enthusiasm of the London audience was not an isolated case. After the review embargo was lifted, Ray Gunn debuted with a 91% approval rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
Among the most notable praise, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian gave it a 5 out of 5, calling it intelligent, witty, and human. Drew Taylor of TheWrap went even further by describing it as a visually stunning and thematically rich masterpiece. David Jenkins of Little White Lies highlighted the script by Bird and Matthew Robbins as something of impeccable beauty, while Jim Vejvoda of IGN gave it an 8 out of 10 and defined it as a love letter to film noir and classic science fiction. Matt Patches of Polygon summarized it directly: Ray Gunn really delivers.
Not all reviews have been so favorable. Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter was the harshest, calling it a bland mix of science fiction and neo-noir clichés. Wendy Ide of Screen International praised the visuals but found the script slow and inert. Even among positive reviews, Guy Lodge of Variety felt the film never becomes as fun as it should be, while IGN noted that it drags on too long as a detective story.
The Whats on Netflix review, with a 3.5 out of 5, sits in the middle: it values Bird's craft and imagination, although it would have liked the film to have allowed itself to fire at full power.
When you can watch Ray Gunn
If you weren't lucky enough to be in London, the wait won't be long. Ray Gunn will arrive globally on Netflix on December 18, 2026, after a limited theatrical run in 70mm format for those who want to live the big-screen experience that Bird has been advocating for some time.
Alongside Rockwell and Johansson, the voice cast includes Tom Waits and Matt Berry as the main villain. Alan Tudyk, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Chernus are among the most recently announced additions.
Frequently asked questions about Ray Gunn
When does Ray Gunn premiere on Netflix?
Ray Gunn will arrive on Netflix worldwide on December 18, 2026, after a limited run in theaters in 70mm format.
Who directs Ray Gunn?
The film is directed by Brad Bird, known for works such as The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille.
Who does Scarlett Johansson voice in Ray Gunn?
Scarlett Johansson voices Venus Nova, a multimedia star whose role was revealed by Netflix in April.
What score did Ray Gunn get at its premiere?
After the review embargo was lifted, Ray Gunn debuted with a 91% approval rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes, although opinions were mixed.
Who is in the voice cast of Ray Gunn?
The cast includes Sam Rockwell as the lead, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits, and Matt Berry as the villain, as well as Alan Tudyk, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Chernus among the most recent additions.
