Anna Daniels
Renowned director Brad Bird is finally bringing his long-cherished project, ‘Ray Gunn’, to fruition after a nearly thirty-year journey filled with challenges. The sci-fi noir film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in 2026, much to the excitement of fans and animation aficionados.
‘Ray Gunn’ was originally conceived in partnership with writer Matthew Robbins and is set in a futuristic realm populated by humans and aliens. The narrative follows the adventures of the last human private detective, Raymund Gunn, as he navigates a gritty, advanced society. The fusion of noir aesthetics with science fiction themes has captivated fans since its initial announcement, building anticipation over the years.
The path to this milestone was fraught with challenges. Initially envisioned as a hand-drawn animated feature at Skydance Animation under the leadership of Bird’s frequent collaborator John Lasseter, ‘Ray Gunn’ encountered significant obstacles. Issues such as Apple retracting its support from Skydance due to creative disparities and concerns regarding the film’s budget, rumored to exceed $150 million, hindered progress. Subsequently, Netflix assumed control of Skydance Animation in 2023, injecting fresh life into the project.
Despite the setbacks, reports indicate that Bird is currently immersed in the production phase, with ‘Ray Gunn’ undergoing a transition to CG animation. This ambitious venture is poised to redefine the boundaries of the animation medium, reflecting Bird’s history of groundbreaking creations.
Set for a 2026 debut, ‘Ray Gunn’ will hit Netflix screens ahead of ‘The Incredibles 3’, another project that is in the works. For fans of Brad Bird’s creations and enthusiasts of innovative animation, ‘Ray Gunn’ is emerging as one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the coming decade. Stay tuned for this unforgettable cinematic experience!
