Nimona 2023

Movie · 99 min · English · June 14, 2023

Animated Animated fantasy Science fantasy

Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy QuaneWritten by Robert L. Baird, Lloyd Taylor

Starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Zayaan Kunwar, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy

A 2023 American animated science fantasy action-adventure film, Nimona is based on the 2015 graphic novel by ND Stevenson. It was directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane and written by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. The story takes place in a medieval-futuristic kingdom, with Chloë Grace Moretz voicing the main shapeshifting character Nimona and Riz Ahmed as her former knight employer Ballister. Supporting voices include Eugene Lee Yang, RuPaul Charles, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, Frances Conroy, and Lorraine Toussaint. Ballister becomes framed for Queen's murder and partners with Nimona to uncover the truth.

The project originated at Blue Sky Studios and was initially set for a 2020 release under Patrick Osborne’s direction. After Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, the film faced delays and was canceled due to Blue Sky Studios closing in April 2021. In Annapurna Pictures, the project was revived with Bruno and Quane as directors, DNEG Animation handling animation, and Netflix securing global distribution rights. Christophe Beck composed the rock-influenced soundtrack.

Nimona premiered internationally at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 14, 2023. It opened in select theaters on June 23 and debuted on streaming platforms on June 30. The film received widespread critical praise and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Critics' Choice Awards, Annie Awards, and Academy Awards.