Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell Star in Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’
Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell are set to lend their voices to the upcoming animated feature, “Ray Gunn,” directed by Brad Bird. The film will also include Tom Waits and John Ratzenberger in its voice cast. “Ray Gunn” is a Skydance Animation project that promises a unique blend of sci-fi and classic detective genres.
About “Ray Gunn”
The narrative takes place in Metropia, a vast city envisioned as an alternate future inspired by 1939. Private investigator Raymond Gunn, voiced by Rockwell, becomes embroiled in a convoluted case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova, portrayed by Johansson.
Director and Producer Insights
Brad Bird, renowned for his work on “The Incredibles” films, takes the helm as the producer, director, and writer for “Ray Gunn.” This film marks his return after a five-year hiatus since “Incredibles 2.” Bird described “Ray Gunn” as a project he has envisioned for over 30 years, blending classic film noir elements with a sci-fi twist. He states, “It’s Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers.”
Animation and Audience Engagement
Bird expressed his desire to broaden the audience’s perception of animation as an art form. He aims to engage viewers who typically overlook animated features, highlighting the medium’s vast storytelling potential.
Production Details
- Production Company: Skydance Animation
- Distributor: Netflix
- Release Date: Late 2023
Skydance Animation has entered a multi-year partnership with Netflix to exclusively release its animated films. This includes titles such as “Steps,” featuring Amanda Seyfried, and “Swapped,” a buddy comedy starring Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple.
Scarlett Johansson’s Career Highlights
Johansson is recognized as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, largely due to her portrayal of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2025, she received Variety’s Legends and Groundbreakers Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival and directed her first feature film, “Eleanor the Great,” which premiered at Cannes. She is also set to appear in the upcoming “Exorcist” film from Universal.
“Ray Gunn” represents a significant chapter in Johansson and Rockwell’s careers as they collaborate with Brad Bird, a filmmaker known for his innovative storytelling and animation techniques.
