A children’s film about about a queer bull is this winter’s big blockbuster
A new 20th Century Fox film tells the story of a stereotype-defying bull.
Ferdinand the bull would rather save rabbits, sniff flowers and talk about his feeling than run at a red rag.
He’s so lovely he even refuses to be a bull in a china shop – gently trotting through to avoid breaking any crockery.
The story isn’t new, though – it was originally penned as a storybook in 1936, called The Story of Ferdinand.
The film was considered so controversial back then that it was banned in several countries for being “pacifist propaganda”.
It has since become a popular book for teachers and parents due to its LGBT friendly plot.
It was then turned into a Walt Disney short film, echoing the same pleasant bull image.
Now it’s set to fit the big screen, eight decades after its original release.
“Ferdinand takes the stand all gay kids eventually have to take: ‘This is who I am and I will not apologize.’” writes culture critic Tony Bravo.
“[He’s] gone on to become something of a pacifist hero for his refusal to fight, but I think he’s better suited to his role as gay icon: I for one am always inclined to think of that beautiful bull when I stop and smell the flowers.”
John Cena plays the title role in Ferdinand, which also features voice work from out actors Kate McKinnon and Raúl Esparza.
The film is set for release in mid-December, ready for families across the world to enjoy its message.
Watch the Ferdinand trailer in full:
