Jordan Firstman, who recently saw his directorial debut “Club Kid” acquired by A24, will voice the lead in the English-language version of “Jim Queen,” an animated comedy that garnered critical acclaim during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané, the film was praised for its bold comedic approach. Variety’s Guy Lodge described the movie as a “hilarious rare shot of broad comedy that plays like a queer ‘South Park’ on literal steroids.”
The narrative centers on Jim, a fitness-obsessed icon in the Parisian gay community, whose world is upended when a fictional virus called Heterosis suddenly converts gay men straight. Stripped of his social status and left with only Lucien, a recently out young man, Jim races to discover a cure before the epidemic dismantles the community he once dominated.
Firstman is joined by a ensemble cast including Mateo Lane, Nicole Byer, John Cameron Mitchell, Bob the Drag Queen, and Wendie Malick. M’saada Nia and Wolfie Trausch are overseeing casting and recording for the English adaptation, with Moby and Lindsay Hick’s Little Walnut production company producing the version alongside Bobbypills.
Global Constellation is screening the English-dubbed version exclusively for North American buyers during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this weekend, as rights for U.S. distribution remain under negotiation.
The film, released in French theaters on June 17 by The Jokers Films, debuted at the third position at the box office, trailing only “Toy Story 5” and “Backrooms.” It has since earned approximately 400,000 admissions and $3 million domestically in France, with theatrical rollouts planned for over 25 international territories.
Produced by Bobbypills, one of Europe’s prominent adult animation studios known for projects like “Creature Commandos” and “Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix,” the film tackles themes of body image and toxic masculinity within LGBTQ+ spaces. Co-writer Simon Balteaux noted that the story stems from personal experiences, stating, “I’m 43, and guys look at me differently… I’m making fun of myself too. Though I’ll still go to the gym tomorrow.”
Is the English dub really going to capture the sharp French wit, or will it fall flat compared to the original version?
A virus that converts gay men straight? This satire feels incredibly timely and necessary for tackling toxic masculinity in queer spaces.
Jordan Firstman voice acting sounds like a brilliant match for this chaotic premise. Can’t wait to see how it translates.