Brad Bird Urges Theatrical Release for Netflix’s Animated Film *Ray Gunn*

Writer-director Brad Bird is lobbying Netflix for a theatrical debut of its upcoming animated detective film Ray Gunn. At the Annecy Animation Festival he said he is “talking” to the streamer but does not know “whether they’re listening.” He argues a big-screen viewing is the best way to see the movie for the first time.

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Netflix sometimes releases titles in theaters for awards eligibility. In the past year, the animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters and the Stranger Things series finale received theatrical runs as “big events.” Next year the platform will reverse its usual order for Greta Gerwig’s Chronicles of Narnia adaptation, The Magician’s Nephew, opening in cinemas before streaming. Ray Gunn is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on December 18.

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• Brad Bird – writer-director of Ray Gunn, member of Cinema United.

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• Netflix – streaming service controlling Ray Gunn’s distribution.

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• Cinema United – trade group promoting theatrical exhibition, cited by Bird.

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• Two Netflix titles – K-Pop Demon Hunters and Stranger Things finale – had theatrical releases in the last twelve months.

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• One upcoming Netflix film – The Magician’s Nephew – will open in theaters before streaming.

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• Ray Gunn’s streaming debut is set for December 18.

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Bird told Polygon he is in dialogue with Netflix but has no confirmation of interest. He highlighted Cinema United’s focus on theatrical exhibition and reiterated his belief that a cinema setting offers the best first-time viewing experience. Netflix has not issued a public response about a possible theatrical release for Ray Gunn.

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The answer currently appears to be “no”, reflecting Netflix’s typical practice of releasing original films directly to its platform. Netflix has not issued a public response regarding a potential theatrical release for Ray Gunn.

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• “talking” — Brad Bird, writer-director

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• “whether they’re listening.” — Brad Bird, writer-director

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• “[They’re] all about theatrical,” — Brad Bird, writer-director

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• “and I believe it’s the best way to see this movie the first time you see it.” — Brad Bird, writer-director

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• “Barge right in there and say, ‘We’re seeing this movie, because you have a big screen and that’s the way it should be seen.'” — Brad Bird, writer-director

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Ray Gunn will be available on Netflix on December 18. Bird has suggested a DIY theatrical experience for audiences if the platform opts against a cinema release.

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