In Nimona, a knight is framed for a crime he didn't commit, and the only person who can help him prove his innocence is a shape-shifting teen who might also be a monster he's sworn to kill. The new animated movie showcases messages of acceptance and friendship. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, it already has a large fan base that is eager to see it come to life on the screen.
Ballister Boldheart is the knight at the forefront of the story. He is voiced by the incredibly talented Riz Ahmed, who is the perfect casting choice. He brings a likability to Ballister, allowing him to be seen as more than just a villain by the audience. Nimona starts streaming on Netflix on June 30.
Screen Rant caught up with Riz Ahmed to talk about his character in Nimona, Ballister Boldheart. He not only described the role but reveals what it was about the story of Nimona that drew him to the film. Ahmed also explained the importance of the messaging behind Nimona.
Riz Ahmed Talks Nimona
Screen Rant: I love this film so much. What was it about Nimona that made you want to be a part of it?
Riz Ahmed: It has such amazing source material. The story, before it was even brought to the screen, is so beloved. You can understand why this is such a cool world. We've got a medieval futuristic vibe going on with dragons and knights and jousting, but also flying cars, and holograms and all of that. Also, such a cool character in Nimona.
It's such a cool relationship and journey that Nimona and Ballister go on together of opening up to each other and realizing that if they want to be understood themselves, they need to take a step to try to understand others, which I thought was really interesting, you know? Just the whole deal. Then the directors, Nick and Troy, are just incredible human beings. They're incredibly hilarious and so meticulous in trying to get the most out of every single moment. It was really talking with them that sold me on it.
Screen Rant: When Ballister tells Nimona that he sees her, I just break down. Can you talk about the importance of that message?
Riz Ahmed: Yeah. We don't know who we are often, outside of how other people see us. Right? That's how we get our first idea of what our identity is, how people treat us or the labels they put on us. I think often for someone to really cut through all of that noise and really see you as a person, see your heart, see your soul. I think that can be incredibly freeing, and really empowering. That's the message in this film. It's if we can stop putting these labels of who's the enemy, and who's part of our group and who's not. Who's us and who's them. Who's a knight who's a shapeshifter. These things, they divide us, when actually cutting through all that noise underneath it all, there's so much to connect over.
Screen Rant: How would you describe Ballister?
Riz Ahmed: I would describe Ballister as a knight who has come from very, very humble background. He never thought he would be selected as a knight because he wasn't born into nobility or anything like that. So he's got a bit of impostor syndrome. And he really, really, really wants to prove to people that he should be there, and he deserves to be there. And, of course, when he's framed for killing the Queen, that sense of feeling like an outsider and being ostracized, it just really, really shoots up. So he's someone on a mission to fight for his name and respect. Most importantly, to fight for us. Because that's his duty as a knight.
About Nimona
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.
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