Brief
Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell sing birthday tribute to composer Michael Giacchino at Ray Gunn premiere
The London Film Festival premiere of Netflix’s animated noir Ray Gunn featured a surprise birthday song for composer Michael Giacchino.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The world premiere of Netflix’s animated feature “Ray Gunn” took place on Saturday at the London Film Festival’s Royal Festival Hall. Director Brad Bird highlighted that the event coincided with composer Michael Giacchino’s birthday and invited voice stars Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell to sing a brief, sped‑up version of “Happy Birthday.” Johansson said she was drawn to the project primarily because of Bird, calling him a “massive fan” and expressing a “dream” to work with him. Rockwell, who voices the titular detective, joined the impromptu tribute. Bird explained the film’s inspiration came from a misreading of the B‑52’s 1979 track “Planet Claire,” which he initially mistook for Henry Mancini’s “Theme From Peter Gunn.” After the premiere, the film will play in select theatres on Dec 4 and stream on Netflix on Dec 18.
Key facts
- Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell sang a quick birthday song for composer Michael Giacchino at the Ray Gunn world premiere. (variety.com)
- The premiere was held at the Royal Festival Hall during the London Film Festival on Oct 10, 2026. (variety.com)
- Ray Gunn will open in select theatres on Dec 4 and launch on Netflix on Dec 18. (variety.com)
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell and Brad Bird Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Composer Michael Giacchino as ‘Ray Gunn’ World Premieres in London”
