Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’ Adds Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson & Tom Waits To Voice Cast – First Look

Netflix and Skydance Animation announced on March 26, 2025, that their upcoming animated feature film 'Ray Gunn,' directed by two-time Academy Award winner Brad Bird, has added acclaimed actors Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Waits to its voice cast. The announcement was made from the studios' headquarters in Los Angeles, California, alongside the release of first-look stills, marking a significant development for this long-gestating passion project that aims to blend Bird's signature visual style with a star-studded vocal performance. The film represents a major collaboration between streaming giant Netflix and production company Skydance Animation, signaling their continued investment in high-profile animated projects for global audiences. Brad Bird, renowned for directing modern classics like 'The Incredibles' and 'Ratatouille,' has been developing 'Ray Gunn' for years, describing it as a personal creative endeavor that combines his love for animation with a distinctive storytelling approach. The casting of Rockwell, Johansson, and Waits—each known for their unique vocal qualities and acting range—suggests the project will feature complex characters and sophisticated dialogue. The release of first-look stills provides early glimpses into the film's visual aesthetic, which appears to maintain Bird's trademark blend of dynamic action sequences and detailed character design. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the involvement of such prominent talent indicates Netflix and Skydance are positioning 'Ray Gunn' as a potential awards contender and major streaming event. This announcement follows a series of successful animated releases from both companies and reinforces the growing importance of animation in the competitive streaming landscape. Industry observers note that 'Ray Gunn' joins an increasingly crowded field of adult-oriented animated features seeking to appeal to broad audiences while showcasing directorial vision. With Bird's proven track record and this ensemble cast, the project generates considerable anticipation about its eventual release date and how it will differentiate itself within Netflix's expansive animation catalog. The collaboration also highlights the ongoing trend of major stars lending their voices to animated projects, blurring the lines between traditional film acting and voice performance.