Disney announced the shutdown of the former 20th Century Fox animation studio Blue Sky, the company behind the Ice Age franchise. The news also confirmed that the animated feature film of comic writer and artist Noelle Stevenson's Nimona won't be coming to the big screen anymore.
Nimona has been in development since 2015 and was just less than a year away from its official premiere. The animated film was scheduled for a January 2022 release, but that won't happen anymore due to Disney's decision to shut down Blue Sky and cancel the movie.
Following the cancellation announcement, Stevenson reacted to the news regarding Blue Sky. She wrote that it's a sad day and thanked the studio for "all the care and joy you poured into the movie." Collaborator Pamela Ribon also reacted, saying they're sad viewers won't get to see the project.
Previous sources indicated that Nimona is around "75 percent" complete and some speculated that it might be picked up by another studio. Right now, however, there are no official reports noting that the film will be finished elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the series creator of Mouse Guard -- which was also axed by Disney -- also reacted to the news about the cancellation of the animated feature film. David Petersen sympathizes with Stevenson on Twitter, noting that "Nimona & the mice deserved better."
Back in June 2015, Stevenson's fantasy webcomic was acquired by 20th Century Animation to be an animated feature film. The project will be helmed by Patrick Osborne and will be produced by Blue Sky. The original plan was to release the movie on Feb.14, 2020.
When Disney acquired Fox, the project was moved to a March 5, 2021 premiere. But then, the schedule was changed again to Jan.14, 2022. However, the film won't be hitting the mentioned date anymore since it has been officially scrapped.
For those who aren't familiar with the story, it follows the titular character -- described as "an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy." She is the sidekick of Lord Ballister Blackheart, a villain with a vendetta. The two teamed up to wreak some serious havoc.
Their major mission is to prove to everyone in the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his allies don't really do heroic acts. But then, their journey goes on unexpected turns, with small mischief leading to a vicious battle.
Lord Ballister Blackheart realized that Nimona is more than just his sidekick. He found out that she's holding powers, which were "as murky and mysterious as her past." Her unpredictable wild side is dangerous that he's willing to admit.
