Rihanna embodies the lone Smurfette in the debut trailer of the forthcoming film, "The Smurfs," directed by Chris Miller, slated for a July 18 theatrical release by Paramount Animation. This cinematic venture is rooted in the beloved characters and creativity of artist Peyo.
The star-studded voice cast brings a vibrant array of talents, with Rihanna lending her voice to Smurfette, joined by an ensemble that includes Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman. In an exhilarating scene, Rihanna exclaims, "Come on, we gotta rescue Papa," igniting a sense of urgency and adventure.
During a presentation at the Annecy Animation Festival in June, Miller revealed the profound influence of Peyo's original drawings. "The DNA in those sketches directed numerous creative decisions in the film," he said. "They serve as the blueprint for the movie I envisioned. Every action line and thought bubble from the comics has been meticulously integrated, inspiring a playful and buoyant animation style, rich with squash and stretch techniques."
Miller hailed Rihanna's indispensable contributions during the Annecy presentation, praising her for penning, producing, and serenading original songs that encapsulate the film's essence. Furthermore, he described the movie's visuals as organically lush and breathtaking.
The Smurfs transitioned from cartoon icons of the 1980s TV series to recognizable pop culture figures. Sony previously brought "The Smurfs" to life in 2011, with Katy Perry voicing Smurfette, followed by a sequel in 2013. In 2017, "Smurfs: The Lost Village," a reboot, featured Demi Lovato as Smurfette.
Miller directed the new film from a script penned by Pam Brady, with producers including Rihanna, Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, and Ryan Harris. Prior to the trailer's debut, Rihanna teased her fans on Instagram with the caption, "In my blue era," hinting at her immersive journey into the world of the Smurfs.
