From TheWrap · Drew Taylor · · 1m 40s
Ray Gunn Review: Brad Bird’s Animated Noir
Brad Bird’s animated noir 'Ray Gunn' debuts on Netflix after 30 years in development.
In brief
Brad Bird’s animated noir 'Ray Gunn' debuts on Netflix after 30 years in development. Brad Bird’s animated noir 'Ray Gunn' debuts on Netflix on December 18 after 30 years in development. Originally reported by TheWrap.
Ray Gunn's Origin
Brad Bird began 'Ray Gunn' in the early 1990s after hearing the B-52's song 'Planet Claire' on the radio.
“Ray Gunn”
Inspired by B-52's
Bird initially thought it was Henry Mancini's theme to 'Peter Gunn' but realized it was something spacey and retro-futuristic.
“Planet Claire”
Early Draft Vision
Bird described the world as 'before World War II and the atomic bomb made the world a smaller place, and the future less than rosy'.
“before world war ii and the atomic bomb made the world a smaller place”
Development History
The project was dormant until Bird re-engaged with Warner Bros. to Skydance Animation for a computer animation remake.
“Skydance Animation”
Metropia City
Metropia features sleek skyscrapers, flying cars, and elevated trains with giant propellers in a futuristic yet charming city.
“Metropia”
Alien Detective Team
Eyera, a three-legged, one-eyed alien, partners with human detective Raymond Gunn (Sam Rockwell) in Metropia.
“Sam Rockwell”
Detective Agency
Gunn’s agency is nearly bankrupt, and he lacks a functional blaster, highlighting the title’s double meaning.
“Ray Gunn”
Venus Nova Case
Gunn and Eyera are hired to protect pop star Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson) from her deadbeat husband and mob boss.
“Venus Nova”
Action Choreography
Bird’s complex action sequences include runaway elevators and skyways of Metropia with intricate camera work.
“runaway elevators”
Social Commentary
Aliens are depicted as second-class citizens, challenging elitist views of Bird’s work.
“second-class citizens”
Theatrical Release
The film will premiere in select theaters on December 4 and stream on Netflix on December 18.
“December 4”
The takeaway
Brad Bird’s animated noir 'Ray Gunn' debuts on Netflix on December 18 after 30 years in development.
