Netflix Has Released First Ray Gunn Trailer
The animated neo-noir thriller from director Brad Bird will debut on Netflix in December 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Animation
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Netflix has officially released the first trailer for the long-awaited animated sci-fi thriller Ray Gunn. The film, directed by Brad Bird, will be available to stream globally on December 18, 2026.
Why it matters
The project represents the culmination of a production journey spanning over 30 years. It marks a significant creative collaboration between director Brad Bird and Skydance Animation.
The film has been in development for 30 years following its initial conception in the late 1980s. It was previously shelved during the mid-1990s at Turner Feature Animation.
The players
Brad Bird
He is an acclaimed filmmaker and director who joined Skydance Animation in 2021 to lead this project.
Sam Rockwell
He is an Academy Award-winning actor who serves as a primary voice performer in the film.
Skydance Animation
This is a prominent production studio that developed the film under a partnership between Brad Bird and John Lasseter.
Netflix
This global streaming platform is the exclusive distributor for the feature film.
Scarlett Johansson
She is a renowned actress who contributes her voice acting talents to the ensemble cast of this production.
The details
Produced by Skydance Animation, the film features a voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Alan Tudyk, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Waits. The plot centers on a private eye operating within the fictional city of Metropia.
Timeline
Development of the Ray Gunn concept began in the late 1980s.
The film was set up at Turner Feature Animation in the mid-1990s.
Brad Bird joined Skydance Animation to revive the project in 2021.
The first trailer for the film arrived in September 2026.
Netflix will release the full film on December 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The production highlights the ongoing trend of streaming platforms reviving shelved legacy projects to bolster their exclusive catalogs. It underscores how major studios like Skydance Animation are utilizing veteran talent to compete in the high-stakes streaming market.
Viewers will be able to stream the film exclusively through their Netflix subscriptions starting on the December 18, 2026 release date. The availability of the film follows the platform's standard global distribution model for original animated content.
The takeaway
The successful revival of Ray Gunn demonstrates how long-dormant creative concepts can find new life within modern production and streaming frameworks. Fans of neo-noir animation can expect a distinct visual experience derived from decades of developmental refinement.
What happens next
Netflix is scheduled to release the full animated film Ray Gunn on December 18, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about the Animation industry and upcoming streaming releases.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Space.
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