Rihanna Takes the Spotlight in Paramount’s Upcoming “Smurfs” Film
CinemaCon, the annual event where studios showcase their biggest upcoming projects, is in full swing, delivering exciting news for movie enthusiasts and critics alike. Among the slew of announcements and sneak peeks, one standout reveal involves global music icon Rihanna taking on a multifaceted role in an animated classic.
A New Chapter for the Smurfs Franchise
The Smurfs franchise has seen its fair share of transformations over the years. Smurfette, one of the most iconic characters in the “Smurfverse,” has been portrayed by different voices and visions. Katy Perry lent her voice to the character in 2013’s The Smurfs 2, which struggled with a 14% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite a slightly warmer audience reception. This misstep led to the cancellation of Smurfs 3 and a reimagining of the franchise with 2017’s Smurfs: The Lost Village, featuring Demi Lovato as Smurfette. While the fully computer-animated film performed modestly better critically, it still left room for reinvention. Now, the torch is being passed once more, and this time it’s Rihanna who will bring Smurfette to life.
Rihanna’s Multi-Faceted Role
Rihanna isn’t just lending her voice to Smurfette in Paramount’s upcoming Smurfs movie set for 2025—she’s also producing the film and contributing original music. Speaking at CinemaCon, the global superstar shared her excitement about stepping into the animated world: “Getting to do animation is a fun journey for me. I’m usually front and center with everything with my likeness […] but this was fun. I got to imagine, I got to show up in my pajamas in my third trimester, and be a blue badass. I hope this gives me a little bit of cool points with my kids one day.”
The film marks an exciting collaboration between Rihanna and acclaimed filmmakers Chris Miller (Shrek the Third, Puss in Boots) and Matthew Landon, a seasoned film editor. The screenplay is penned by Pam Brady, known for her work on South Park, Team America: World Police, and Hot Rod. With this powerhouse team, the untitled project is poised to breathe fresh life into the Smurfs franchise.
The Broader CinemaCon Highlights
While Rihanna’s Smurfs project stole the spotlight, CinemaCon has been brimming with other surprises. One headline-grabbing reveal included John Cena’s unexpected role as a mermaid in Barbie. Attendees were also treated to a first look at Strange Way of Life, a queer western led by Pedro Pascal. With announcements like these, it’s clear that the industry is embracing bold, genre-defying storytelling.
A Promising Future for Smurfette and the Smurfs
Rihanna’s involvement in the 2025 Smurfs film signals a significant shift in how the franchise is being approached. With a blend of her creative vision, star power, and musical talent, the project has the potential to redefine the animated classic for a new generation. Fans can expect a vibrant, imaginative world where Smurfette takes center stage—and perhaps gains some “cool points” from Rihanna’s own family along the way.
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