Netflix Submits Original Song From ‘Ray Gunn’ for Oscars, Written by Kimbra and Performed by Scarlett Johansson (EXCLUSIVE)

Netflix is advancing its animated feature "Ray Gunn" in the upcoming Academy Awards race by submitting an original song from the film for Oscar consideration. The track, titled "Too Much To Ask," stands out as a notable musical centerpiece and is the product of singer-songwriter Kimbra, while actress Scarlett Johansson provides the vocals within the movie.

"Ray Gunn," directed by Brad Bird and set in the sprawling metropolis of Metropia, presents a futuristic yet retro noir narrative. The story follows private eye Raymond Gunn as he navigates a complex case involving extraterrestrials and intrigue. The voice cast also includes prominent actors such as Sam Rockwell and Tom Waits, enriching the film’s dynamic character lineup.

Kimbra, who is credited with writing and producing three original songs for the film, crafted "Too Much To Ask" as a pivotal moment for the in-story pop icon Venus Nova. The song encapsulates a personal revelation from Venus, expressing a desire for authenticity amid fame and public scrutiny. Kimbra drew upon her own experiences in the music industry to shape the song’s emotional core, aiming to reflect the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity.

Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios with the accompaniment of the London Symphony Orchestra, "Too Much To Ask" showcases a blend of soulful, jazz-inflected elements inspired by iconic artists such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin. This orchestral collaboration marked a significant milestone for Kimbra, highlighting her evolution both as a songwriter and producer.

In contrast to the smooth, introspective quality of "Too Much To Ask," Kimbra also created "Innocent," another song featured in "Ray Gunn". This track embraces a catchy, pop-driven style reminiscent of early 2000s pop icons like Britney Spears, designed to be an irresistibly memorable earworm. The contrasting musical styles within the film underscore the multifaceted persona of Venus Nova and help shape the film’s tonal complexity.

Scarlett Johansson’s involvement extends beyond voice acting, as she lends her singing talents to these musical numbers. Kimbra noted Johansson’s vocal range and interpretive contributions, emphasizing the actress’s dedication and willingness to explore new facets of her performance through music. Johansson’s efforts contribute significantly to bringing Venus Nova’s character to life in a compelling and memorable way.

The production of "Ray Gunn" is a collaboration between Netflix and Skydance Animation, with industry veterans John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Lisa Beroud serving as producers. The film’s approach to storytelling combines a futuristic vision with a noir aesthetic, supported by its rich musical landscape.

Details regarding the full scope of the film’s soundtrack and other potential Oscar submissions remain limited at this time. However, the selection of "Too Much To Ask" for the original song category reflects Netflix’s strategic push to highlight the film’s creative strengths and to gain recognition in prestigious award circles.

As "Ray Gunn" prepares to compete in the awards season, the fusion of cinematic innovation, star power, and original music positions it as a noteworthy contender. The collaboration between Kimbra and Johansson, in particular, exemplifies the increasing significance of original songs in animated features and their role in enhancing narrative depth.

Overall, the submission marks a significant moment for Netflix’s animation division, signaling a continued investment in high-quality, artistically rich content that bridges storytelling and music in innovative ways.