Superstar Rihanna surprised CinemaCon with an appearance to announce her role as Smurfette in Paramount Animation’s upcoming “The Smurfs Movie.” She will be voicing the iconic character as well as writing/recording original songs and producing the film.
“I tried to get the Papa Smurf role but It didn’t work out,” she joked on stage at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino, where the convention is being held. While mostly known for her music, Rihanna is no stranger to acting. She previously voiced Gratuity ‘Tip’ Tucci in the DreamWorks animated feature “Home.” Her live-action credits include “Battleship,” “This Is the End,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” “Ocean’s 8,” and “Guava Island.”
During her CinemaCon announcement, she also confirmed she is in her third trimester of pregnancy with her second child. According to Naito, the live-action hybrid “The Smurfs Movie” will explore the topics of identity. Really focusing in on the question, “What is a Smurf?” But specific plot details are still being kept under wraps.
This newest iteration of the “Smurfs” franchise will add to the legacy of the comic books by Belgian artist Peyo. Our familiar blue friends most recently graced the big screen almost ten years ago. When Sony Pictures made two live-action hybrid films starring Neil Patrick Harris. These Raja Gosnell (“Scooby-Doo”) directed films also boast the vocal talents of Julia Roberts, Katy Perry, Hank Azaria, and Joe Manganiello.
The upcoming “The Smurfs Movie” is written by Pam Brady (“The Bubble”) with Chris Miller (“Puss in Boots”) directing.
“The Smurfs Movie” is set to hit theaters on February 14th, 2025. We’ll keep you posted about updates on the project as they become available.
