How many “Smurfs” movies have there been at this point, and what’s the continuity, if any, with previous films? I guess there have only been three so far with one sequel, but doesn’t it feel like they are always rebooting these films, hoping they’ll catch on? “Smurfs: The Lost Village” was the last version in 2017, but it clearly did not move the needle enough to warrant a continuation.
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Instead, Paramount Animation has rebooted the series for the third time with the plainly titled “Smurfs.”
Directed by Chris Miller (“Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots”) and co-directed by Matt Landon (an editor on “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse”), from a screenplay written by Pam Brady, the film stars Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette and she’s obviously a big name (though do the kids of that young age know her and care?).
The ensemble cast includes Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman.
Here’s the official synopsis:
When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.
“Smurfs” lands in theaters July 18 via Paramount. The “Smurfs” soundtrack will feature a song called “Higher Love” by Desi Trill that features DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi. Presumably, Rihanna will be on it somewhere too. Watch the first trailer below.
