In 2012, Nimona began as a webcomic — something the story’s creator, ND Stevenson, would post to Tumblr. Much like Heartstopper and other viral webcomics-turned-graphic-novels, Nimona caught the eye of a publisher and was compiled into print form.
Now, over a decade since the impulsive, titular shapeshifter won over fans, Netflix is set to release an animated film adaptation of the beloved graphic novel. Here’s what to know about the source material — and the upcoming Nimona movie, from its release date to its cast.
What Is The Nimona Book About?
Although they usually take the form of a human girl, Nimona is able to transform into any human or animal form, which, theoretically, means they’re quite the asset to any team. But the series’ titular character is also incredibly impulsive, making things a bit challenging for Ballister Blackheart — the villain Nimona insists on aiding as a sidekick. Usually, the shapeshifter doesn’t always abide by the ex-knight’s particular code of ethics, favoring whatever course of action will bring about the most violence.
Ballister’s plan? Destroy the Institution — the organization he once worked for as a knight, and where he lost his arm in a joust with the Institution’s now-champion, Ambrosius Goldenloin. When Ballister Blackheart tries to “ruin” the Institution’s reputation by revealing a dark truth about it, the organization’s Director orders Ambrosius to kill Nimona and stop Ballister. Goldenloin clearly has some reservations, though — and, much like the Institution, Nimona has a few secrets of their own.
Is Nimona A Queer Book?
Nimona is a queer graphic novel through and through. Part of the reason Ambrosius Goldenloin is reluctant to stop Ballister Blackheart is that the two share a “more than just friends” kind of history. While their queer connection is only hinted at initially, Ballister and Ambrosius embark on a delightful friends-to-enemies-to-lovers journey, not unlike that of Adora and Catra — two of the main characters in another of ND Stevenson’s beloved creations, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
Moreover, Stevenson’s story chronicles a character who, despite their fantastical nature, resonates deeply with queer and trans readers. Nimona’s past is marked by people accusing her of being someone they aren’t — of people refusing to accept the form and identity she shows them. The Institution perceives Nimona (and Nimona’s queerness) as a monstrous threat to the fragile (and untruthful) stability it has created for society at large. The inherently violent Institution and its leaders also scapegoat Ballister, persecuting him and others who defy its sense of order and “goodness.”
Still, despite these challenges to her identity, Nimona is an empowering character, especially for young adult (YA) readers. The subversive Nimona may not state their queerness in certain terms, but it’s clear that she embodies a fluid identity — one that’s constructed by Nimona and for Nimona. And Ballister Blackheart? His story echoes Nimona’s in a way. Although his journey may not be about identity in the same sense, Ballister goes from being perceived as a vengeful villain to a rebellious leader to a society-saving hero.
Who Wrote Nimona?
As mentioned, cartoonist and animation producer ND Stevenson created Nimona in 2012, initially posted the webcomic to his Tumblr. Stevenson had already garnered quite the following thanks to his popular fan art, which re-imagined characters from The Lord of the Rings as hipsters. While Nimona served as Stevenson’s college thesis project, the work was also noticed by the literary world and published in bound-and-printed form by mainstream publisher HarperCollins.
Nimona earned Stevenson numerous accolades, including an Eisner Award, and opened the door for more comic book and graphic novel opportunities. The 2015 National Book Award Finalist landed a series with BOOM! Studios, the two-time Eisner-winning series Lumberjanes, and penned stories for Marvel’s Runaways and Thor Annual comics. As an artist and writer, he was able to find his footing in the world of animation, working on several Disney animated series, including Wander Over Yonder, DuckTales, and Big Hero 6: The Series.
In 2018, ND Stevenson’s re-imagining of She-Ra, a spin-off of the popular 1980s cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, came to Netflix via DreamWorks Animation. Stevenson not only created She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–20), but served as executive producer and showrunner. Lauded for its blend of action, humor, and heart, She-Ra also boasts an incredibly queer cast of characters, following in the footsteps of shows like Steven Universe.
Stevenson was to follow up the Daytime Emmy and GLAAD Award-winning She-Ra with an animated adaptation of Lumberjanes for HBO, but since the Discovery-Time Warner merger’s announcement the fate of that project has been unknown. Outside of the world of animation, Stevenson has written a celebrated graphic memoir, The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures (2020), as well as the Substack I’m Fine I’m Fine Just Understand, which centers on his non-binary and transmasculine identity, experiences with gender, and mental health conversations.
Did Netflix Cancel Nimona At One Point?
Back in 2015, when ND Stevenson’s graphic novel earned an Eisner and made him a National Book Award Finalist, 20th Century Fox Animation acquired the rights to Nimona. Fox’s subsidiary, Blue Sky Studios, was set to adapt Nimona into a feature film, but The Walt Disney Company’s 2019 acquisition of Fox threw a wrench into those plans, causing several years of delays. In 2021, Disney shuttered Blue Sky, effectively canceling the Nimona project.
Former members of the Blue Sky team voiced their frustrations with the project’s fate — the Nimona movie was reportedly 75% complete — but also asserted that Disney’s leadership had been less-than-supportive about keeping the characters’ explicit queerness intact. Thankfully, the Nimona movie found a new, more encouraging home with Netflix and Annapurna Pictures (Laika’s Missing Link, 2019; Spike Jonze’s Her, 2013) in 2022.
Is Nimona Still Coming Out?
Yes, the Nimona movie has been saved by Netflix and Annapurna Pictures. Currently, the movie is slated for a June 30, 2023 streaming debut. Nimona will mark the first project released by Annapurna Animation, a new arm of the larger production company. Although most viewers will have to wait until the end of June to catch the Nimona movie, the film will have its official premiere on June 14, 2023 as part of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France.
Where Can I Watch Nimona?
Can’t make it all the way to France for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the premiere of the Nimona movie? Luckily, the film’s streaming debut isn’t too long after its in-person world premiere. Fans of ND Stevenson’s comic can catch the Nimona movie on Netflix, starting on June 30. Nimona, which will stream exclusively on Netflix, is a notable follow-up to Stevenson’s previous work with Netflix, the streaming home of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
The Nimona Cast
Nimona’s silver screen debut comes with an appropriately star-studded cast. Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, 2010; The Peripheral, 2022–) voices the impulsive Nimona; Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, 2016) brings Ballister Blackheart to life; and Eugene Lee Yang (YouTube’s The Try Guys) lends his talents to voicing Ambrosius Goldenloin. The incredible Nimona cast is rounded out by Frances Conroy (American Horror Story), Lorraine Toussaint (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Beck Bennett (Saturday Night Live), RuPaul Charles (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Indya Moore (Pose), Julio Torres (Los Espookys), and Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live).
The long-awaited Nimona movie premieres on Netflix on June 30, 2023.