Netflix’s Ray Gunn introduces viewers to an interstellar mafia and a gripping enigma.
In the film, Scarlett Johansson portrays Venus Nova, a pop star enmeshed in a scandal that threatens both her career and her life. The cast also includes Raymond “Ray” Gunn, a detective played by Sam Rockwell, and his extraterrestrial partner with a single eye, Eyera, portrayed by Tom Waits. At the San Diego Comic-Con, director Brad Bird told ScreenRant that the film draws inspiration from The Big Lebowski and Blade Runner, blending elements of sci-fi noir, comedy, and action.
Netflix has recently unveiled the initial trailer for Ray Gunn. The video opens with a futuristic car soaring over the cityscape of Metropia, a setting visually reminiscent of Blade Runner. As Ray delves into a crime scene, Eyera provides a narration in his raspy voice, discussing the deceit and ethical dilemmas they face, highlighted by a brief appearance of an alien mobster stepping out of a vehicle. Eyera questions Ray about his objectives as the detective takes to the skies with a jetpack, to which he responds that he’s in pursuit of the truth. The trailer is available for viewing below:
The trailer further reveals that Venus, played by Johansson, is accused of murder. Ray and Eyera are tasked with protecting her, but the situation escalates as Ray starts to develop feelings for the pop star, who embodies the classic noir femme fatale. As they dodge the alien mafia, Ray coyly remarks towards the trailer’s end, “Stay tuned.”
Alongside Johansson, Rockwell, and Waits, the film features Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Chernus, Kether Donohue, Michelle Rodriguez, Aasif Mandvi, Matt Jones, Kathryn Hunter, John Ratzenberger, Justin Peck, and Patton Oswalt. Bird has previously collaborated with Ratzenberger and Oswalt in several Pixar films, including The Incredibles series and Ratatouille.
Bird has shared that “Ray Gunn has been a concept I’ve toyed with for over three decades. It marries the genres of sci-fi with those of classic ’40s detective films… think Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers.” He developed the storyline, penned the screenplay alongside Matthew Robbins, and produced the movie with John Lasseter, Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg, with animation by Skydance Animation. Michael Giacchino, who previously worked with Bird on The Incredibles films and Ratatouille, composed the film’s score.
Prior to its Netflix release on December 18, Ray Gunn will be shown in select theaters and have limited 70mm screenings starting December 4. This release follows the platform’s new animated films Steps and In Waves, scheduled for November 20 and December 11, respectively. These new additions join Netflix’s growing roster of animated features including KPop Demon Hunters, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and others.
Ray Gunn will be available for streaming on Netflix from December 18.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
