Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino has officially joined Brad Bird's upcoming Netflix animated feature Ray Gunn as the film's composer, marking the latest collaboration between the two acclaimed artists. According to Variety, the score for Ray Gunn has already been recorded at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London.
Sixth Collaboration
The project reunites Giacchino and Bird for the sixth time, following their previous work on The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Tomorrowland, and Incredibles 2. The animated sci-fi detective film is produced by Skydance Animation and is set in an alternate future version of 1939.
Plot and Cast
The story follows private investigator Raymond Gunn, voiced by Sam Rockwell, who becomes entangled in a mystery involving aliens, murder, and a multimedia celebrity named Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. The voice cast also includes acclaimed actor Tom Waits, further strengthening the film's star-studded lineup.
Bird and Giacchino's Creative Process
Speaking about the collaboration, Bird praised Giacchino's approach to orchestral music, noting that he prefers recording with musicians performing together in the same room to create a more dynamic and organic sound. Giacchino said working with Bird continues to be driven by a shared passion for storytelling and the classic adventure influences they both admired growing up.
Bird's Return to Feature Films
Ray Gunn marks Bird's first feature film since the release of Incredibles 2 in 2018. The filmmaker conceived the original story and co-wrote the screenplay with Matthew Robbins.
Release and Production
While Netflix has not yet announced an exact release date, Ray Gunn is expected to premiere later this year. The film is part of Skydance Animation's ongoing partnership with Netflix, which began with a multi-year agreement signed in 2023. Variety first reported Giacchino's official involvement and the completion of the score recording at Abbey Road Studios.
