“Lesbian Space Princess” Lands in U.S. Theaters for Halloween: A Queer Sci-Fi Comedy Breaks New Ground

On October 31, 2025, the much-anticipated animated feature “Lesbian Space Princess” will make its U.S. theatrical debut, timed to coincide with Halloween and promising audiences a riotous, glitter-laden adventure across the cosmos. Produced by We Made A Thing Studios and distributed by Cineverse, the film has already established itself as a festival favorite and a critical darling, with its unapologetically queer narrative, inventive animation, and irreverent humor drawing accolades from audiences and reviewers alike .

“Lesbian Space Princess” follows the journey of Princess Saira, an introverted royal forced out of her comfort zone when her bounty-hunter ex-girlfriend is kidnapped by the villainous Straight White Maliens. Accompanied by a runaway gay-pop idol and a cast of intergalactic misfits, Saira navigates a galaxy filled with drag queens, pop stars, and eccentric spaceships, confronting her own insecurities and discovering the importance of self-acceptance along the way .

The film’s narrative is described by its creators as a blend of “Rick and Morty meets Sailor Moon—with more glitter, more sex jokes, and 100% more lesbians,” signaling a commitment to both genre innovation and authentic queer representation .

Directed by South Australian filmmakers Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, “Lesbian Space Princess” is their feature debut. Both filmmakers have spoken about their intent to amplify queer and culturally diverse voices, both on and off screen. “It’s amazing to be given this support for our film that will put queer and culturally diverse voices to the front,” the directors stated in a joint message following the movie’s development through Film Lab: New Voices .

The film features a stellar Australian voice cast, including Shabana Azeez as Princess Saira, Bernie Van Tiel, Gemma Chua-Tran, Richard Roxburgh, drag icon Kween Kong, and the comedy collective Aunty Donna .

Before its U.S. release, “Lesbian Space Princess” carved out a remarkable international festival run. Premiering at the Adelaide Film Festival in October 2024, it won the Audience Award for Feature Fiction. The film then traveled to the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it received the prestigious Teddy Award for Best Queer Feature and placed second in the Panorama Audience Award. Additional honors include the Best Australian Feature at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival and the Grand Prize at Poland’s Octopus Film Festival .

Critics have lauded the film for its “sharp humor, queer sensibility, and inventive animation,” with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “a hidden gem,” and Variety describing it as “a testament to the power of independent filmmaking” .

“Lesbian Space Princess” stands out for its explicit celebration of queer identities. The protagonist’s quest is not only a rescue mission but a journey of self-discovery and affirmation, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences. The film’s depiction of a lesbian princess as a multidimensional hero—surrounded by a diverse cast of queer characters—has been highlighted by critics and fans as a significant step forward for mainstream animated cinema .

Festival goers and reviewers have noted the importance of seeing lesbians of color and other underrepresented identities occupy center stage in a genre typically dominated by heteronormative narratives. “This silly, sparkly, bloody, booby, mucky, magic little lesbian film is going to mean a lot to a lot of people,” wrote one audience member after a festival screening. “I’m so glad that lesbians of colour get to watch themselves be big and bold and great with their hands” .

The film’s creators have emphasized their goal of making space for voices that are too often marginalized, both through casting and narrative focus. By placing queer women and nonbinary characters at the heart of a cosmic adventure, “Lesbian Space Princess” offers not only entertainment but affirmation and visibility .

The release of “Lesbian Space Princess” signals a broader shift in the animation industry toward greater diversity and inclusion. Its success at international festivals, coupled with positive critical reception, suggests growing demand for stories that reflect the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities.

Moreover, by combining genre tropes with witty, intersectional humor, the film appeals to both queer and mainstream audiences. The movie’s fusion of space opera, comedy, romance, and fantasy, all anchored in unapologetic queer identity, marks it as a landmark work in contemporary animation .

With its U.S. release set for Halloween, “Lesbian Space Princess” is positioned as one of the season’s most original cinematic events. Advance buzz, driven by festival accolades and enthusiastic early reviews, has set high expectations. Cineverse’s distribution strategy reflects confidence in the film’s ability to attract diverse audiences and foster new conversations about queer representation in media .

Showtimes and promotional events have been announced across major cities, with filmmakers scheduled for Q&A sessions and community outreach initiatives aimed at LGBTQ+ youth and allies .

As “Lesbian Space Princess” lands in U.S. theaters, it brings with it a powerful message of affirmation, joy, and resilience. By centering queer voices and experiences within a genre often resistant to such narratives, the film invites audiences to imagine new possibilities for representation, storytelling, and community.

For many, the arrival of “Lesbian Space Princess” is more than a movie premiere—it is a celebration of visibility, creativity, and the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ cinema.