New Sci-Fi Animated Film from The Incredibles Creator Set for Holiday Release on Netflix

Skydance Animation and Netflix have officially announced the release date for Brad Bird’s upcoming sci-fi animated feature, Ray Gunn. Known for classics like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, and Ratatouille, Bird last directed a feature in 2018 with The Incredibles 2. Fans won’t have to wait much longer, as Ray Gunn is set to hit Netflix this December.

Although the gap between The Incredibles 2 and Ray Gunn feels lengthy, Bird has been developing this project for even longer. He first drafted a version of the script back in 1996 while at Warner Bros. Animation. The film blends retro-futuristic sci-fi with classic noir detective elements, described by Bird as “The Maltese Falcon meets Buck Rogers.” Set in the city of Metropia, it follows Raymond Gunn (voiced by Oscar winner Sam Rockwell) as he delves into a case involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia star named Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.

Ray Gunn marks a reunion for Bird and former Pixar colleague John Lasseter, who is producing the film. Lasseter departed from Pixar and Disney in 2018 amid allegations of misconduct. Other producers include Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, and Dana Goldberg, with musician Tom Waits also joining the cast alongside Rockwell and Johansson.

The announcement of Ray Gunn’s release date was part of a broader wave of animation news from Netflix at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This aligns with Netflix’s strategy to solidify its position as a hub for animated projects, both feature films and series, following the success of 2025’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, which won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Oscars and is touted as the most popular film on the platform. Other highlights from Annecy included a teaser for The One Piece, the animated adaptation of the long-running manga, and a first look at Sony Pictures Animation’s Ghostbusters: Night Shift, both set for 2027.

On the feature side, Netflix has also announced a December 11 release for In Waves, which garnered acclaim at this year’s Cannes festival. The film, adapted from AJ Dungo’s graphic novel memoir about love, grief, and surfing, is expected to continue Netflix’s Oscar-winning streak. Before that, the Cinderella retelling Stepson will premiere on November 20.

Ray Gunn will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 18, featuring the voices of Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson.