Interviews

ND Stevenson Discusses Adapting Nimona from Page to Screen

August 24, 2023

3 mins read

ND Stevenson On The Process Of Adapting Nimona From Page To Screen

Nimona is an exciting adventure that follows Ballister Boldheart, a knight wrongly accused of a crime, and the incredible shapeshifter named Nimona who joins him on a quest to prove his innocence. This thrilling film is based on the beloved graphic novel of the same name, and while there have been some changes, the heart of the story remains intact.

ND Stevenson, the creator of Nimona, is both the author and illustrator of this captivating story. With an all-star cast including Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, and Eugene Lee Yang, and directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, the film brings Nimona to life in a whole new way. Get ready to stream Nimona on Netflix starting June 30th.

FilmmakerFocus had the opportunity to speak with ND Stevenson about the process of adapting his own work compared to working on She-Ra. He also shares why he believes Nimona resonates with so many people, the experience of working with the talented voice cast, and his reaction to seeing the finished version of Nimona for the first time.

ND Stevenson Talks Nimona

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FilmmakerFocus: Wow, I absolutely adore this movie! Congratulations on achieving a perfect one hundred percent Rotten Tomatoes critic rating. How does it feel to receive such unanimous praise?

ND Stevenson: Oh, my God, I am over the moon! This movie means the world to me, and to have it resonate with audiences and critics alike is an incredible feeling. It’s like a dream come true. I would say it’s not just a “pretty cool” feeling, it’s an absolutely amazing feeling!

FilmmakerFocus: I’m curious, what is the difference between adapting your own work, like Nimona, versus someone else’s work, like She-Ra?

ND Stevenson: When it comes to adapting my own work, there’s a certain level of personal attachment and responsibility. These characters and stories are like my children, my friends, and a part of myself. It’s a delicate balance between staying true to the source material and making choices that serve the story. Working on She-Ra, on the other hand, allows me to bring a fresh perspective and collaborate with a team of talented individuals. It’s been an amazing experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore different creative processes.

FilmmakerFocus: Nimona seems to resonate deeply with audiences. What do you think it is about her character that connects with people?

ND Stevenson: I believe Nimona represents a part of ourselves that we often suppress or struggle to express. She embodies our desires to break free, to unleash our inner power and emotions. She’s unapologetically true to herself and has a unique way of manifesting her feelings. I initially created her as a personal character, but I’ve been amazed by how many people from different walks of life can relate to her. I think we all have a little bit of Nimona inside us, waiting to be unleashed.

FilmmakerFocus: The cast of Nimona is absolutely perfect for their roles. What was it like seeing them bring your characters to life?

ND Stevenson: It’s truly incredible. When I see the cast, I see my characters come to life. They embody the essence of each character so perfectly that it’s almost surreal. Even though it’s an animated film, I can imagine them playing these roles in live action. They are absolutely spot-on, and I can’t express how thrilled I am with their performances.

FilmmakerFocus: What was your reaction when you first watched the completed film?

ND Stevenson: After witnessing the various stages of the film’s development, seeing the final version was a moment of pure awe. I knew what to expect, but watching it all come together was truly magical. I was blown away by the finished product. In fact, I immediately sent an email to the team, filled with all caps and exclamation points, expressing just how incredible the movie turned out to be. The excitement and joy are still overflowing!

Nimona drawing her own story in Nimona trailer

When Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a mischievous teen with a taste for mayhem — who also happens to be a shapeshifting creature Ballister has been trained to destroy. But with the entire kingdom out to get him, Nimona’s the best (or technically the only) sidekick Ballister can hope for. And as the lines between heroes, villains, and monsters start to blur, the two of them set out to wreak serious havoc — for Ballister to clear his name once and for all, and for Nimona to…just wreak serious havoc.

Check out our other Nimona interviews here:

Chloë Grace Moretz
Eugene Lee Yang
Riz Ahmed
Nick Bruno & Troy Quane

Lily Winters

Lily, a film studies major at NYU, developed a fascination for avant-garde and experimental cinema during her time living in the vibrant art scene of Brooklyn. Her articles explore the intersection of art and film, celebrating boundary-pushing filmmakers and emerging visual styles.