Thelma the Unicorn
A farm pony becomes a unicorn to chase her music dreams.
Thelma the Unicorn is an animated musical comedy from 2024, produced by Netflix Animation Studios and Scholastic Entertainment. It was co-directed by Jared Hess and Lynn Wang, marking Wang's first feature film as a director. The screenplay was written by Jared and Jerusha Hess, and the story is based on Aaron Blabey's children's book series. The film features Brittany Howard in her acting debut as the voice of the title character, with additional voice work from Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, Edi Patterson, Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Heder, and Shondrella Avery. It was released on Netflix on May 17, 2024, and received generally positive reviews from critics.
The plot follows Thelma, a small farm pony who dreams of musical fame with her band, The Rusty Buckets, which includes Otis the donkey and Reggie the llama. After a failed audition for the event SparklePalooza, a truck driver accidentally covers Thelma—who has a carrot on her forehead—in glitter and pink paint, making her look like a unicorn. She uses this disguise to attract attention and pursue her career, despite Otis's objections to the deception. A blind retired record dealer named Peggy Purvis discovers them, and a manager named Vic Diamond manipulates the situation, eventually separating Thelma from her friends. Thelma becomes a solo star, signs a contract with Vic, and gains fame while hiding her true identity. A rival assistant, Megan Shank, eventually exposes Thelma's secret, leading Thelma to quit music. After a period of reflection, she reunites with her friends and reveals her true self at SparklePalooza, where the crowd accepts her. The Rusty Buckets then secure a record deal with Peggy.
The voice cast includes Brittany Howard as Thelma, Will Forte as Otis, Jemaine Clement as Vic Diamond, Edi Patterson as Megan Shank, Fred Armisen as Danny Stallion, Zach Galifianakis as Crusty Trucker, Jon Heder as Reggie, Shondrella Avery as Zirconia, Ally Dixon as Nikki Narwhal (with Baraka May providing her singing voice in an uncredited role), Maliaka Mitchell as Peggy Purvis, Jared Hess as Gerald, and Noelle Holsinger as Suzie.
Production began in June 2019, when Netflix acquired the film rights after a bidding war. Jared Hess directed and co-wrote the script with his wife Jerusha, with Lynn Wang as co-director.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Jared Hess / Lynn Wang
- Screenplay
- Jared Hess / Jerusha Hess
- Based On
- Thelma the Unicorn · Aaron Blabey
- Producer
- Pam Coats
- Starring
- Brittany Howard / Will Forte / Jemaine Clement / Edi Patterson / Fred Armisen / Zach Galifianakis / Jon Heder / Shondrella Avery
- Editing
- Edie Ichioka
- Music
- John Powell
- Studio
- Netflix Animation Studios / Scholastic Entertainment
- Distributor
- Netflix
- Released
- 17 May 2024
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
- Country
- United States
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In a world where humans and talking animals coexist, Thelma is a small farm pony who dreams of becoming a famous musician with her band The Rusty Buckets, which includes Otis the donkey and Reggie the llama. After a humiliating audition for the singing event SparklePalooza, a clumsy truck driver accidentally drenches Thelma—who is wearing a carrot on her forehead—in glitter and pink paint, giving her the appearance of a unicorn. She seizes this opportunity to sing, despite Otis' objections to lying. A blind, retired record dealer named Peggy Purvis hears them on TV and decides to make them her comeback attraction. Thelma gains the attention of a snooty manager named Vic Diamond, who works for the arrogant singer Nikki Narwhal. Vic convinces Peggy to make Thelma an opening act at Nikki's concert, but then destroys a limo carrying Peggy, her husband Gerald, Otis, and Reggie, leaving Thelma to go solo. Thelma receives a standing ovation and signs a contract with Vic, leaving Nikki. Nikki orders her assistant Megan Shank to find dirt on Thelma. Megan discovers Thelma's disguise and threatens to expose her unless Thelma quits music. Thelma leaves, heartbroken, but later reunites with her friends and reveals her true self at SparklePalooza, where the crowd accepts her. The Rusty Buckets return to music under a record deal made by Peggy.
Reader's Guide
Thelma the Unicorn is significant as the feature film directorial debut of Lynn Wang and the acting debut of Brittany Howard, who voices the titular character. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 64 out of 100, indicating 'generally favorable' reviews. It was nominated for the 2025 Visual Effects Society Award for Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature. The film's soundtrack, released on May 17, 2024, by Island Records and Netflix Music, features John Powell's musical score and songs by Brittany Howard, among others. The film's legacy lies in its adaptation of Aaron Blabey's children's book series and its message of embracing one's true self, as demonstrated by Thelma's decision to reveal her disguise at SparklePalooza.
Did You Know?
- Thelma the Unicorn is based on the children's book series of the same name by Aaron Blabey.
- The soundtrack includes a cover version of Lenny Kravitz's song 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' by Brittany Howard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Thelma the Unicorn?
Thelma is a farm pony who transforms into a unicorn and sets out to pursue her dream of making music. She is the title character of the 2024 animated musical comedy produced by Netflix Animation Studios and Scholastic Entertainment.
Who voices Thelma the Unicorn in the 2024 film?
Brittany Howard provides the voice of Thelma, a role that marked her debut as an actress in a feature-length production. The supporting voice cast includes Will Forte, Jemaine Clement, Edi Patterson, Fred Armisen, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Heder, and Shondrella Avery.
What is Thelma the Unicorn based on?
The story adapts Aaron Blabey's children's book series into an animated feature. Jared and Jerusha Hess wrote the screenplay, translating the source material into a musical comedy format for the big screen.
Who directed Thelma the Unicorn?
Jared Hess and Lynn Wang co-directed the project. The film represents Wang's first feature-length film as a director.
When and where was Thelma the Unicorn released?
The film premiered on Netflix on May 17, 2024. It was produced by Netflix Animation Studios and Scholastic Entertainment, with Netflix handling distribution.
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