Riz Ahmed, Chloë Grace Moretz star in Netflix's long-awaited 'Nimona'

Lines blur between heroes, villains, and monsters in this animated feature film

Netflix is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of Nimona, an animated feature film based on the bestselling graphic novel by ND Stevenson, reports Indie Wire. After facing setbacks during its development at Walt Disney Co., the project found a new home with Netflix and is set to debut this summer. The film will showcase the talents of Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed in the lead roles.

Originally intended to be produced by Blue Sky Studios, Nimona was reportedly shelved due to concerns from Disney regarding the queer thematic elements in the film. However, Netflix acquired the film rights in April 2022 and partnered with Annapurna Pictures to bring the adaptation to audiences worldwide. Production resumed early last year under the supervision of DNEG Animation.

The official synopsis of the Netflix film reveals that Nimona takes place in a futuristic medieval world, where Ballister Boldheart (played by Ahmed), a knight falsely accused of a crime, finds an unlikely ally in Nimona (portrayed by Moretz), a mischievous and shape-shifting teenager.

As the duo navigates a kingdom set against them, lines blur between heroes, villains, and monsters, leading to their joint quest of wreaking havoc and clearing Ballister's name. The stellar cast also includes Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, Indya Moore, RuPaul Charles, Julio Torres, and Sarah Sherman.

Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, the animated feature brings Stevenson's story to life from a screenplay by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. Producers Karen Ryan, Julie Zackary, and Roy Lee collaborate with executive producers Megan Ellison, Robert L. Baird, Andrew Millstein, and John Powers Middleton. Additionally, ND Stevenson herself serves as a co-producer for the film.

Expressing excitement about Netflix's involvement, Stevenson took to Twitter, stating, "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." The author expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming release and announced that Nimona would hit screens in 2023 in collaboration with Annapurna and Netflix.

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 🤘 pic.twitter.com/wEZuM2sXTt

— ND Stevenson (@Gingerhazing) April 11, 2022

While the specific release date for Nimona is yet to be revealed, Netflix has announced a special screening of the film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Audiences can catch the premiere of Nimona on June 14 at the esteemed festival held in France.

Both Ahmed and Moretz bring their immense talents to the project. Ahmed, an Academy Award nominee and winner, is recognized for his powerful performance in Sound of Metal, while Moretz has captivated audiences with her roles in films such as Kick-Ass, Let Me In, and If I Stay.

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