This week has seen Netflix's have been teasing their family slate for this coming summer. These include both new and returning series and a number of movies
Most eagerly anticipated is Nimona. Originally set up as a project at Blue Sky Studios but later moving to DNeg and Netflix, the film has been lauded as ground-breaking and revolutionary. Based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson, it's set in a futuristic medieval world. When a knight is framed for a crime he didn't commit, the only one who can prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous shapeshifting teen.
The film is directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, based on a screenplay by Robert L. Baird and Lloyd Taylor. It stars the voices of Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, and RuPaul Charles.
We've finally got our first look at the film in action thanks to the first teaser trailer. The trailer kicks off in a scrappy, child-like style as someone (presumably Nimona) tells a story. It then switches style to the style we assume that the majority of the film will be animated in. We only get quick snatches of it, but it's a distinctive, vibrant look that seems like a good fit with the film's tone. Nimona will be streaming on Netflix on June 30.
Netflix also announced that they have picked up the exclusive rights to Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir :The Movie. The first movie in the Miraculous magical girl franchise, the movie will retell how normal teenager Marinette gained superpowers to become Ladybug and fight evil. She must team up with Cat Noir to save Paris from a new villainous threat. The film is directed by Jeremy Zag and written by Jeremy Zag and Bettina López Mendoza. The movie will stream from July 28.
The Monkey King is an action-packed comedy based on Chinese mythology that also inspired Dragon Ball. It follows the charismatic Monkey and his magical fighting stick as he embarks on a quest to vanquish 100 demons. Along the way, he will encounter an eccentric Dragon King and a village girl who challenges his self-centred attitude.
The film is directed by Anthony Stacchi, produced by Peilin Chou and Executive Produced by Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle). It stars the voice talents of Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Jo Koy, Ron Yuan, Hoon Lee, Stephanie Hsu, Andrew Pang, Andrew Kishino, Jodi Long, James Sie and BD Wong,
The Monkey King streams from August 18.
In other news, video game adaptation Sonic Prime will be returning for a second season on July 13, When a run-in with Dr Eggman results in a literally universe shattering event, Sonic The Hedgehog sets off on a quest through the shatterverse to try and put his Prime Universe back together and save his friends.
Netflix also revealed details for Supa Team 4, a new African superhero series. Four teen girls living in the Afro-futuristic city of Lusaka are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world. The series is created by Malenga Mulendema, and will stream from July 20.
Preschool audiences are also catered for with the returning Gabby's Dollhouse (August 7) and the new series Not Quite Narwhal (June 19).
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