Netflix Announces 'Thelma The Unicorn' From Napoleon Dynamite Creators

Among the most interesting things going right now is that an increasing number of live-action film-makers are moving into the animation world. As animation attracts more and more attention, directors, as varied as Wes Anderson, Garth Jennings, Taika Waititi, Gurinder Chadha and Guillermo Del Toro, have signed up for animated projects. The latest to make a move are Napoleon Dynamite duo Jared and Jerusha Hess

The two are best known for the movies Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre, but they also worked on the former's (short-lived) animated TV spin-off. Now they are making their first animated feature with the adaptation of the children's book Thelma The Unicorn by Aaron Blabey. The 2017 book features a horse named Thelma with big dreams. The book has sold over 1.4 million copies and made the New York Times bestseller list.

Thelma dreams of being a glamorous unicorn. Then in a rare pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma's wish comes true. She rises to instant international stardom, but at an unexpected cost. After a while, Thelma realizes that she was happier as her ordinary, sparkle-free self. So she ditches her horn, scrubs off her sparkles, and returns home, where her best friend is waiting for her with a hug.

The film is being made as an animated musical for Netflix, directed by Jared and written by Jared and Jerusha, with original author Blabey on board as producer. No release date has been announced.

 "We are huge fans of Aaron’s work." Jared and Jerusha said. " The lovable misfits in his books feel right at home for us. It is a dream come true to be collaborating with him and Netflix on an animated feature of Thelma the Unicorn."

"I’m beyond excited that my beautiful phoney Unicorn is going to sparkle her way onto the screen in a big, glittery Netflix film." Blabey added. "Thelma is SO ready for her close-up!"

[source]