A stellar cast, NEW music from Rihanna, and dazzling animation: Why Smurfs is set to be the family movie event of the summer
Hitting UK cinemas on 18 July, the brand-new Smurfs film promises to be a riotous ride for kids, parents, and nostalgic fans alike.
Packed with jaw-dropping animation, a glittering A-list cast with the likes of James Corden and Kurt Russell, and a banging original soundtrack featuring new music from Rihanna (yes, really), this live-action animated musical fantasy comedy is the family event of the season.
With the film directed by Chris Miller, the creative mind behind Shrek, Puss in Boots, and Madagascar, you can bet your white boots this is one film that's going to be full of heart and a hefty helping of smurf-tastic spectacle.
So, what exactly is in store for audiences when the Smurfs take over the big screen once again?
A high-stakes adventure with heart... and plenty of blue chaos
At the heart of the story lies a rescue mission with universal consequences and some very tiny heroes.
When the wise and beloved Papa Smurf (voiced by Hollywood heavyweight John Goodman) is kidnapped by the sinister duo of wizards Razamel and Gargamel, the peaceful Smurf Village is thrown into chaos.
Their only hope? None other than the fearless and fabulous Smurfette, played with dazzling flair by Rihanna.
In a twist that catapults the action into the modern world, Smurfette leads a gang of brave little blue buddies from their magical forest into the bustling chaos of our world. What follows is a fantastical fish-out-of-water romp, complete with magical portals, unlikely alliances, and more than one run-in with confused commuters.
On their mission, the Smurfs join forces with a chaotic clan of magical misfits known as the SnooterPoots, led by the unflappable Mama Poot (brought to life by the ever-raspy and hilarious Natasha Lyonne).
Together, they must navigate city streets, dodge evil spells, and rediscover what it truly means to be a Smurf.
A cast so star-studded, it should come with sunglasses
One of the biggest buzzes around Smurfs is its absolutely smurfing incredible voice cast. And leading the charge is none other than Rihanna, who not only gives Smurfette a bold, brilliant edge but also brings her own musical magic to the mix.
She's joined in the recording studio by James Corden who voices a brand-new Smurf character named... well, No Name. Unlike his neighbours in Smurf Village, like Vanity Smurf, Worry Smurf and Brainy Smurf, No Name has yet to find what makes him special.
But that's just the start. Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Kurt Russell, Amy Sedaris, Xolo Maridueña, and Dan Levy (to name a few) are set to feature. This is a cast list that reads like a who's who of Hollywood royalty.
And British fans can also expect to hear some familiar voices. Panel show staple Jon Richardson makes an appearance, Giovanna Fletcher brings her West End charm, and even Rylan Clark turns up to play. Yes, that Rylan!
Rihanna returns with a beat you can't shake
It's been almost ten years since Rihanna last dropped a full album, but Smurf fans can rejoice, because the pop icon is finally back in the studio. And let's just say: blue has never sounded so good.
She leads the soundtrack with the instantly infectious 'Friend of Mine', a joyful, heart-thumping anthem that captures the core of what the Smurfs are all about: friendship, mischief, and doing the impossible together.
The soundtrack also is bursting with smurf-tastic tracks from chart-toppers Cardi B, Desi Trill feat. DJ Khaled, Tyla, and more. Together, they deliver a mix of high-energy pop, soulful ballads and funky fantasy beats that'll have audiences dancing in the aisles. It's not just a soundtrack, it's a party.
A visual feast for the whole family
Of course, no Smurfs film would be complete without some serious animation magic... and this one delivers in technicolour spades. Smurfs blends the charm of classic Saturday morning cartoons with the cutting-edge visuals of modern animation.
Every leaf glistens, every mushroom house bounces with personality, and every Smurf is packed with detail and delightful quirks. The world of Smurf Village is so vibrant, it feels like you could step right into it... just don't forget your mini blue passport!
Drawing inspiration from Peyo's original 1950s comics, the design team has perfectly balanced nostalgic charm with modern polish.
Why this is the must-see movie of the summer
With a story full of heart and hilarity, a top-tier voice cast, music that's genuinely worth streaming on the way home, and animation that dazzles from start to finish, Smurfs isn't just a movie: it's an experience.
It's the kind of film that has kids giggling, parents smiling, and teenagers pretending not to enjoy it (but secretly quoting it later).
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