It’s a movie that had the odds stacked against it and came out swinging for the fences. Nimona was released about a week ago in the U.K. and is now streaming on Netflix to the sheer delight of the LGBTQ+ community, members of whom are letting Disney know how they feel about the company’s decision to put production on hold back in 2021.
Blue Sky Studios had about 75% of Nimona completed when Disney shut the studio down amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and instead of finishing it, Disney chose to let the team’s animation and work go to waste. This was a setback for the LGBTQ+ community given that the film was to feature the first gay leading roles and same-sex kiss in an animated feature.
Thankfully for Nimona fans, Netflix came to the rescue, putting the pieces back together again and ultimately releasing the movie on its own platform. This currently has fans screaming at the tops of their lungs, as Nimona‘s 94% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 88% Audience Score (out of over 100 reviews) make it the best-reviewed Disney film in seven years. While the House of Mouse will not be reaping the benefits of this positive reception, one thing it’s getting plenty of today is strong reactions from members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As one viewer pointed out, the film’s very existence is a “major accomplishment,” especially when it could have marked an important milestone for Disney.
In addition to praising the film’s existence, some viewers can’t help but state the obvious.
Are you there, Disney? It’s me, Netflix’s Nimona.
Hindsight is 20/20, but I suspect Disney may live to regret its decision (and I’m not alone).
Now that the word is out, viewers are streaming the movie in droves.
Watching today I’m so hyped
— Mauricio | Browntable 📦 (@Browntable_Ent) June 30, 2023
According to some, Nimona is “gayer” and “transer” than the source material by ND Stevenson.
It is gayer and transer ! (And also really beautiful, the lightning is stunning)
— Midnighter Comics (@Midnighter1309) June 30, 2023
Even people who aren’t pleased with Netflix at the moment are open to giving it a go.
TFW wanting to watch this movie but also not wanting to support Netflix anymore.
— Rosalyn Sable (@Ros_ffxiv) June 30, 2023
I can’t think of a better way to cap off Pride month. Did Netflix plan that, or was it a coincidence? Either way, you can stream Nimona on the platform right now, and if these reactions are anything to go by, it’s one you won’t want to miss.