Netflix’s upcoming LGBTQ+ animated movie Nimona is set to feature a star-studded queer cast.
On 25 April, the popular streamer surprised subscribers with a first look at the upcoming film – which is based on the hit graphic novel by ND Stevenson.
“Nimona is coming this summer,” Netflix wrote on Twitter alongside two stills from the movie.
In the first frame, Nimona is shown as a giant red rhinoceros – which is a nod to her shapeshifting powers – fighting against a knight. The second photo features the aforementioned character’s face plastered on a digital wanted poster alongside her mentor Ballister Blackheart.
In addition to the summer release date, the streamer also revealed that RuPaul Charles (Drag Race), Indya Moore (Pose), Frances Conroy (American Horror Story), Lorraine Toussaint (The Equalizer), Beck Bennett (Hamster & Gretel), Julio Torres (Los Espookys) and Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live) would be lending their voice talents for the film.
The recent Nimona news comes a year after Netflix announced that they would be partnering up with Annapurna Pictures to produce the highly anticipated adaption.
The streamer also revealed that Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang would be stepping into the roles of Nimona, Ballister and Ambrosius Goldenloin, respectively.
Before its move to Netflix, the animated feature was set to be produced under Blue Sky Studios via Disney.
Nimona is coming this summer!
For now, thrilled to reveal Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Eugene Lee Yang will be joined by an incredible collection of actors: Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul Charles, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, and Sarah Sherman! pic.twitter.com/Pin2lRCAEX
— Netflix (@netflix) April 25, 2023
However in 2021, the studio and the film was unceremoniously shut down due COVID-19 related financial hardships.
Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, Nimona is set to follow the titular character – a shapeshifting teen – as she helps the former knight Balllister Blackheart destroy the insidious Institute.
The official synopsis reads: “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 shapeshifting 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 movie is also set to feature an array of queer/gender-nonconforming characters and a same-sex kiss.