Cannes 2026: Queer Comedy 'Jim Queen' Mixes Gay Culture with Gore

At the 2026 Cannes Festival, 'Jim Queen,' a queer comedy helmed by Marco Nguyen and Nicolas Athané, made its debut during the midnight screenings. The story revolves around a bodybuilder and influencer entrenched in the Parisian gay community who becomes infected with a virus named 'heterose,' which converts homosexuals into heterosexuals. Co-written by Brice Chevillard and Simon Balteaux, the film creatively fuses animation with live action, tackling topics such as conversion therapy and chemsex through a comedic lens. Lucien, one of the characters, provides a gateway for viewers less acquainted with gay culture. Although the film includes provocative themes, the directors focus on entertainment while shedding light on the dangers facing LGBTQ+ rights. The filmmakers encountered funding hurdles, and their selection for Cannes was unexpected, as they anticipated showcasing at the Annecy Animation Festival.