Nimona: The Must-See Netflix Animated Movie of the Year
Nimona, the beloved graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson, is coming to Netflix as an animated movie This queer story follows the adventures of a shapeshifter and her villainous mentor as they navigate a world of science, magic, and political intrigue Don't miss the star-studded cast, including Riz Ahmed and Mae Whitman
Nimona originally started as a webcomic in 2012, which was posted on Tumblr by its creator ND Stevenson. Following the success of other webcomics-turned-graphic-novels, such as Heartstopper, Nimona gained popularity and was eventually published in print form. Fast forward to today, with over 10 years of loyal fans, the beloved graphic novel has been adapted into an animated film by Netflix. Keep reading to find out more about the source material and what to expect from the upcoming Nimona movie, including its release date and cast.
What Is The Nimona Book About?
Nimona possesses the unique ability to transform into any human or animal form, making them a valuable addition to any team. However, Nimona's impulsive nature often poses a challenge for Ballister Blackheart, the villain who reluctantly accepts Nimona as a sidekick. Nimona tends to prioritize violence over Ballister's ethical code, complicating their partnership. Ballister's ultimate goal is to destroy the Institution, the organization he once served as a knight and lost his arm to the current champion, Ambrosius Goldenloin. In an attempt to tarnish the Institution's reputation, Ballister reveals a dark secret, prompting the Director to order Ambrosius to kill Nimona and stop Ballister. Despite the Director's orders, Ambrosius appears hesitant, and Nimona has secrets of their own, much like the Institution they aim to take down.
Is Nimona A Queer Book?
Ambrosius Goldenloin’s reluctance to stop Ballister Blackheart is rooted in a history that goes beyond friendship. Their queer connection is only hinted at initially, but as the story progresses, Ballister and Ambrosius’ relationship evolves into a delightful friends-to-enemies-to-lovers journey, reminiscent of Adora and Catra from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
What sets Nimona apart is its ability to resonate deeply with queer and trans readers. Nimona’s past is marred by people who refuse to accept her true identity and accuse her of being someone she’s not. The Institution views Nimona and her queerness as a monstrous threat to their fragile and fabricated sense of stability. The Institution and its leaders are inherently violent and scapegoat Ballister and others who defy their oppressive sense of “goodness” and order.
Nimona is an inspiring character for young adult readers, despite facing challenges to her identity. While not explicitly stating her queerness, Nimona embodies a fluid identity that she constructs for herself. Ballister Blackheart's story parallels Nimona's, as he transforms from a perceived villain to a rebellious leader and ultimately a hero who saves society.
Who Wrote Nimona?
As the creator of Nimona, cartoonist and animation producer ND Stevenson first shared the webcomic on his Tumblr page back in 2012. Prior to this, Stevenson had already gained a significant following for his creative fan art, which featured characters from The Lord of the Rings in contemporary hipster attire. Although Nimona was originally conceived as Stevenson's college thesis project, it quickly gained recognition from the literary community and was eventually published in physical form by HarperCollins, a major mainstream publisher.
Stevenson's success with Nimona paved the way for numerous comic book and graphic novel opportunities, including a series with BOOM! Studios and the chance to write for Marvel's Runaways and Thor Annual comics. As an artist and writer, Stevenson's talents also extended to the world of animation, where he worked on beloved Disney series such as Wander Over Yonder, DuckTales, and Big Hero 6: The Series. Stevenson's re-imagining of the classic 1980s cartoon She-Ra, which he created, executive produced, and showran, premiered on Netflix via DreamWorks Animation in 2018. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power received critical acclaim for its perfect blend of action, humor, and heart, as well as its wonderfully diverse and queer cast of characters, similar to the groundbreaking show Steven Universe.
After the success of She-Ra, Stevenson had plans to work on an animated adaptation of Lumberjanes for HBO. However, with the announcement of the Discovery-Time Warner merger, the fate of the project remains uncertain. In addition to her work in animation, Stevenson is a talented writer and has received critical acclaim for her graphic memoir, The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures (2020). She also uses her platform to discuss important topics such as her non-binary and transmasculine identity, experiences with gender, and mental health conversations through her Substack, I'm Fine I'm Fine Just Understand.
Did Netflix Cancel Nimona At One Point?
ND Stevenson's award-winning graphic novel, Nimona, was set to be adapted into a feature film by Blue Sky Studios, a subsidiary of 20th Century Fox Animation. However, the acquisition of Fox by The Walt Disney Company in 2019 resulted in a series of delays. Sadly, in 2021, Disney announced the closure of Blue Sky Studios, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the much-anticipated Nimona project.
Former members of the Blue Sky team expressed their disappointment with the project's cancellation, as the Nimona movie was reportedly almost finished. However, they also revealed that Disney's leadership did not fully support the inclusion of the characters' queer identities. Fortunately, the Nimona movie found a new home with Netflix and Annapurna Pictures, who were more supportive of the characters' representation, and is set to release in 2022.
Is Nimona Still Coming Out?
Great news for fans of Nimona! The upcoming movie has been saved by Netflix and Annapurna Pictures, and is set to debut on June 30, 2023. This release will mark the first project from Annapurna Animation, the newest branch of the production company. But before its streaming debut, Nimona will have its official premiere on June 14, 2023 at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.
Where Can I Watch Nimona?
The Nimona Cast
Don't have the chance to attend the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France for the premiere of Nimona movie? No worries, as the film's streaming debut will be available on Netflix soon after its world premiere. Fans of ND Stevenson's comic can look forward to catching the movie on Netflix from June 30 onwards. Nimona is a remarkable sequel to Stevenson's previous work with Netflix, which is also the streaming platform for She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
The highly-anticipated Nimona movie boasts an impressive lineup of talented actors to bring the beloved characters to life on the big screen. Chloë Grace Moretz, known for her roles in Kick-Ass and The Peripheral, takes on the role of the impulsive and lovable Nimona. Riz Ahmed, who starred in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, embodies the complex character of Ballister Blackheart. Additionally, Eugene Lee Yang of YouTube's The Try Guys lends his voice to the character of Ambrosius Goldenloin. The star-studded cast also includes Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul Charles, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, and Sarah Sherman, ensuring a memorable and captivating viewing experience for audiences of all ages.
The long-awaited Nimona movie premieres on Netflix on June 30, 2023.
