The upcoming animated film from Paramount Pictures and Paramount Animation, “The Smurfs Movie,” is set to feature an all-star cast that includes Rihanna and now Octavia Spencer among others. This exciting announcement was made during Paramount’s presentation at CinemaCon, where studio chief Brian Robbins unveiled the star-studded lineup.
Joining Rihanna, who will voice the iconic character Smurfette, are Spencer, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman. Robbins humorously referred to the cast as encompassing “pretty much the rest of the Screen Actors Guild.”
The Smurfs, created by Belgian comics artist Peyo, have a rich history that dates back to their first appearance in 1958 in the comic book “Johan and Pirlouit.” These small blue humanoid creatures captured the imagination of audiences worldwide and soon became a beloved franchise.
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Over the years, the Smurfs have made successful transitions to various media formats, including television and film. In 1981, they were introduced to television audiences with “The Smurfs” animated series, which ran for nine seasons and became a worldwide phenomenon. This series introduced viewers to the charming world of the Smurfs and their adventures in the magical Smurf village.
The popularity of the Smurfs continued to grow, leading to their first big-screen appearance in the 2011 live-action/animated hybrid film “The Smurfs.” The movie was followed by a sequel, “The Smurfs 2,” in 2013, further solidifying the franchise’s appeal to audiences of all ages.
Now, with “The Smurfs Movie” slated for release on February 14, 2025, fans can look forward to a fresh take on these beloved characters. Directed by Chris Miller, known for his work on “Puss in Boots,” and co-directed by Matt Landon, the film promises to be a comedic, musical adventure that explores the timeless question, “What is a Smurf?”
Rihanna’s involvement in the project extends beyond voice acting. She is also producing the film alongside Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and will contribute original music to the movie. This multi-talented approach underscores her commitment to the project and adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans.
With the rich history and enduring popularity of the Smurfs franchise, combined with the star power of Rihanna and Octavia Spencer, “The Smurfs Movie” is poised to capture the hearts of fans worldwide and continue the legacy of these beloved blue characters in the realm of animation and cinema.