Netflix’s empire of animated films is expanding withThelma the Unicorn- a new family film all about accepting yourself and believing in who you are. Based on the beloved children’s books of the same name, the film stars a young pony named Thelma (Brittany Howard), who has big dreams and aspirations of becoming a music star. However, her self-consciousness about her personal appearance prevents her from having the confidence to follow her dreams.
Thelma finally gets her chance when a truck accident covers her in pink paint and glitter, making her appear as if she’s a unicorn. Her magical makeover generates a lot of attention and Thelma finally finds the confidence to pursue her music career, but is it worth tricking everyone into thinking she’s a real unicorn? To find out more about Netflix’s latest animated film, as well as its cast, trailer, release date, and more,here is everything we know so far aboutThelma the Unicorn.
Thelma the Unicorn
In a heartwarming animated adventure, Thelma the pony, who dreams of being a unicorn, finds herself swept into a whirlwind of fame after a fortunate accident makes her appear as one. As she navigates the complexities of her new celebrity life, Thelma learns important lessons about the value of self-acceptance and the true meaning of happiness beyond the glitter and spotlight.
When Is ‘Thelma the Unicorn’ Coming Out?
Thelma’s quest through the music world and journey of self-discovery begins whenThelma the Unicornpremieres worldwide on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Where Can You Watch ‘Thelma the Unicorn’?
Thelma the Unicornwill be premiering exclusively on Netflix once it arrives later this May. Already Netflix has had a fairly big month for May, with the release ofJerry Seinfeld’s exaggerated story about the Pop-Tart’s creation,Unfrosted, releasing earlier this month. Also on the calendar for later this May are the anticipated third season ofBridgertonand theJennifer Lopez-led sci-fi action filmAtlas. No plans for a physical release via DVD or Blu-ray have been announced by Netflix at this time.
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Does ‘Thelma the Unicorn’ Have a Trailer?
Netflix released the first trailer forThelma the Unicornon July 26, 2025, introducing audiences around the globe to the anticipated adaptation of a beloved book series. The trailer begins with Thelma and her band, the Rusty Buckets, doing some rehearsals. Unbeknownst to Thelma, she already has the talent to become a music star, but she’s still constantly shamed for her looks by some local bullies. As soon as Thelma accidentally gets her unicorn makeover, everything changes, and her newfound popularity is motivated almost exclusively by her fake identity as a unicorn. Thelma’s best friend Otis (Will Forte) tries to get Thelma to see that she’s perfect just the way she is, all while a rival music star, Nikki Narwhal (Ally Dixon), seeks to ruin Thelma’s blossoming career.
Who Stars in ‘Thelma the Unicorn’?
The cast ofThelma the Unicornis led by five-time Grammy-winner Brittany Howard in the lead role.A titan in the rock and R&B world, with sixteen Grammy nominations under her belt in addition to her five wins.Thelma the Unicornwill not only mark Brittany Howard’s first voice-over role, but it will also be her official feature acting debut.
Joining Howard inThelma in the Unicornis actor and comedian Will Forte, who also just recently appeared in another Netflix IP with the true-crime dramedyBodkin, which has become the subject of rave reviewsahead of its official premiere. Forte will be playing Thelma’s close friend Otis, who is trying to convince Thelma of the error of her ways. The cast also includes
What is ‘Thelma the Unicorn’ About?
The official plot synopsis ofThelma the Unicornreads as follows:
Thelma is a small-time pony who dreams of becoming a glamorous music star. In a moment of fate, Thelma is transformed into a unicorn and instantly rises to global stardom, but this new life of fame comes at a cost.
Who Is Making ‘Thelma the Unicorn’?
Co-directing and co-writingThelma the Unicornis the cult-classic-generating machine that isJared Hess. Hess has had a hand in several beloved films from the 2000s era, including the surreal high school comedyNapoleon Dynamite, theabsurd luchador filmNacho Libre, and the coming-of-age storyGentlemen Broncos. It makes perfect sense that Jon Heder is in the film, given that the actor extensively worked with Hess on the surprisingly popularNapoleon Dynamite. Jared Hess is also attached to direct the upcoming and long-gestating video game adaptation,Minecraft.
This marks Hess' first-ever animated feature film, which is likely whyTeen Titans Go!andUnikitty!directorLynn Wangwill be co-directing. Jared Hess co-wrote the screenplay with his wife,Jerusha Hess, with their screenplay adapting the original works of authorAaron Blabey.Thelma the Unicornwill also be produced byDana Lynn Bennett Cooney(Rocco),Aaron Blabey(The Bad Guys),Pam Coats(Mulan), andPatrick Hughes(Unstuffed).
Thelma and the Unicornwill also feature:
What Are the ‘Thelma the Unicorn’ Books?
The originalThelma the Unicornbook was published in 2017and was written by Aaron Blabey. Much like the upcoming feature film, the book follows a young pony who just wants to be famous, only for her to eventually realize that she already had everything she could possibly need in the life she already had. The book received a sequel in 2019 withThe Return of Thelma the Unicorn, where Thelma decides to relive her faux life as a unicorn but for a far more noble purpose.
TheThelma the Unicornbooks are just two of many hit children’s books from Aaron Blabey. One prime example is the original novelThe Bad Guys, which follows a group of experienced criminals who decide to turn a new leaf. The book was, of course, turned into a hit DreamWorks feature film in 2022, witha sequel now reportedly on the way.
