Everything you need to know about Brad Bird’s animated detective noir, ‘Ray Gunn’
27 years have passed since Brad Bird’s directorial debut with The Iron Giant, and he’s still busy shaping the world of animated cinema, constantly challenging the spectators’ expectations of what they are, what they can do, and who they can actually address. And in any case, if viewers thought he was done, well, they now need to keep an eye out for his animated detective noir, Ray Gunn, coming soon on Netflix.
In a conversation with Tudum, the two-time Oscar-winning director explained, “There’s a big chunk of people who don’t watch animation. That’s the group I’m anxious to persuade because it’s an amazing art form that is way too limited in people’s minds.”
In an attempt to break through those limitations, Bird is giving birth to Ray Gunn, the movie concept that has been on his mind for over three decades. Speaking of which, Bird added, “It was always meant to be a blend of sci-fi and classic detective movies from the ‘40s.”
While the movie is meant to prove that animation is way more than just a kids’ medium, for those curious, here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect from Ray Gunn.
What is the plot?
Ray Gunn is Brad Bird’s upcoming animated detective noir film set in Metropia, a humongous city from an alternate future seen from 1939, where Raymond Gunn, a private investigator, is assigned a case involving murder, a multimedia star named Venus Nova, and aliens.
In breathing life into Metropia, Bird turned to an Art Deco-inspired, pre-World War II vision of the future. “What if cities just kept getting taller and taller and more streamlined, and cars could fly, and people had jetpacks as an alternative form of getting about?” imagines Bird.
Who is in the voice cast?
Oscar winner Sam Rockwell has been roped in to voice Ray Gunn, described as a small-time private eye, working at a time when machines have taken over most of the sleuthing. Meanwhile, Oscar-nominee Scarlett Johansson voices Venus Nova, the most famous pop star in the world, whose streak of scandals is as big as her career. But they pose a threat to destroy everything, even her life.
Meanwhile, Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Tom Waits has been cast to voice Eyera, Ray’s confidante, who happens to be a one-eyed alien. As for the rest? Well, more casting announcements are on the way. So, stay tuned for more updates.
Is there a trailer available?
Unfortunately, a trailer isn’t available at the moment. In the meantime, viewers can check out the first-look photos below for a preview of Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn.
When does Ray Gunn release on Netflix?
It turns out the wait for Ray Gunn isn’t as long as one might expect, as it’s confirmed to land on Netflix on December 18th. Save the date before you forget!