ND Stevenson’s techno-medieval animated feature Nimona has found a new home.
The film adapting the bestselling graphic novel originally entered production at Blue Sky Studios. However, after Disney acquired Blue Sky, the Mouse shut down the project. Though Disney itself did not specify a reason for dropping Nimona, former employees said Disney executives took issue with the film’s LGBTQ themes.
But now Nimona’s getting new life thanks to Netflix. The streamer announced today it will continue work on the film, with plans to release it in 2023.
Stevenson, who wrote the graphic novel, released a statement about the film on social media.
“Nimona’s always been a spunky little story that just wouldn’t stop. She’s a fighter…but she’s also got some really awesome people fighting for her. I am excited out of my mind to announce that THE NIMONA MOVIE IS ALIVE…coming at you in 2023 from Annapurna and Netflix,” the post reads.
In Nimona, a knight is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and the only person who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a shape-shifting teen who might also be a monster he’s sworn to kill. Set in a techno-medieval world unlike anything animation has tackled before, this is a story about the labels we assign to people and the shapeshifter who refuses to be defined by anyone.
The voice cast for the feature includes Chloë Grace Moretz as Nimona, Riz Ahmed as Ballister Boldheart, and Eugene Lee Yang as Ambrosius Goldenloin. The feature comes from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane.
Netflix didn’t reveal a specific release date for Nimona yet, but check back to THS for more updates.
