Netflix continues to win in their battle to become more diverse and inclusive. Recently, the streaming service acquired rights to the computer-animated fantasy film Nimona which was scrapped by Disney due to the LGBTQ+ themes.
Nimona is adapted from non-binary American cartoonist ND Stevenson’s eponymous fantasy graphic novel where the titular Nimona is a shapeshifter and joins the villainous Ballister Blackheart in destroying the pervasive Institute. However, soon, Ballister is framed for a crime he did not commit.
The graphic novel is a mix between technology and the supernatural. 20th Century Fox Animation had first announced the project in 2015. However, after Disney acquired it, the studio cancelled the film in 2021 due to the references to queer themes, questioning identities etc. The graphic novel is gender fluid and celebrates and empowers the LGBTQ+ community, something that Disney perhaps fails to do.
Netflix revived the adaptation and is aiming for a 2023 release. The film will star Chloe Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed and Eugene Lee Yang.
This “inclusive story” will do away with general labels and focus on Moretz as Nimona who will help Ballister in this ordeal. Yang will be seen as Amrosius Goldenloin.
The project is being directed by Troy Quane and Nick Bruno.
ND Stevenson recently tweeted about the same, announcing how the film is “alive”. Stevenson said, “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.”
Yang took to his Twitter account to announce the same, joining Netflix in this happy parade. Well done, Netflix!