Jim Queen, a French animated comedy directed by Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané, hits theaters on June 17, 2026. Produced by Bobbypills and distributed by The Jokers Films, the film is presented in Midnight Screening at the Festival de Cannes 2026.
Jim Queen
Animated feature | France
In cinemas: June 17, 2026
Comedy | Runtime: 1h25
Directed by Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané
Voices by Alex Ramirès, Jérémy Gillet, Shirley Souagnon, Philippe Katerine and François Sagat
Distributor: The Jokers Films
The film follows Jim, a leading figure on Paris's gay scene, whose life takes a turn when he contracts Hétérose, a fictional virus that turns gay men into heterosexual men. Shunned by those around him, he sets out with Lucien, his last follower and first admirer, in search of a cure capable of halting the virus's spread.
Behind this deliberately satirical premise, Jim Queen leverages a reversal of norms to question heteronormativity, the codes of the gay scene, and the internal dynamics of exclusion within communities. Marco Nguyen drew on his experience with the Paris LGBTQIA+ scene, particularly its queer parties and sociable spaces, to fuel the situations and the characters.
The project marks the first feature film from Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané. The two directors had previously honed their craft in short format, notably Le Building for Nguyen and Un tour de manège for Athané. The screenplay is by Simon Balteaux, with Brice Chevillard also attached to the writing.
The voice cast features, among others, Alex Ramirès, voicing Jim, Jérémy Gillet as Lucien, and Shirley Souagnon, Philippe Katerine, and François Sagat. In the press kit, the directors explain that the voices were recorded before the animation, so the facial expressions and pace of the characters could be built from the performers’ performance.
The Midnight Screenings at Cannes give the film notable visibility ahead of its theatrical release. This French animated feature targets adults and young adults, with campy humor, nods to queer culture, and a quest-driven story that borrows some fairy-tale conventions.
Jim Queen should appeal to viewers seeking a French animated comedy that centers on LGBTQIA+ identities, social norms, and Paris’s nightlife culture. The film isn’t really for families with small children; its themes, humor, and tone steer toward a teenage or adult audience.
The official trailer for Jim Queen offers a first glimpse of the film and its vividly colorful visual universe.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the most anticipated movies hitting theaters in 2026, the must-see films right now, and our pick of the year's animated features.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
