A New Adventure for the Smurfs
The Smurfs Movie is now in theaters, bringing a fresh wave of blue magic to the big screen. This animated film features a star-studded cast and an exciting storyline that takes viewers on a wild journey through different dimensions. At the center of this adventure is Rihanna, who voices the iconic character Smurfette. The movie reimagines Peyo’s beloved characters, with Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) being kidnapped by evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel. This sets off a daring rescue mission led by Smurfette and a group of brave Smurfs as they venture into the real world to save him.
Xolo Maridueña, who voices Brainy Smurf, is part of this exciting project. He shared his excitement about working with Rihanna, expressing how much he admires her. “I have a long-standing appreciation for Rihanna,” he said. “It’s been there on record before I was an actor – I was a fan. So, getting to this, all these years later, and getting the call that I might get to work together was a dream come true. And she’s fantastic in this.”
Maridueña brought a unique energy to the role of Brainy, the know-it-all of the village. When asked what he would talk about in a TED Talk, he mentioned his interest in “yellow flags,” which are things that are ambiguous or unclear. His humorous take on the subject included an example of someone disliking asparagus without ever having tried it, which he sees as a yellow flag.
One of the fun facts about the Smurfs is that they aren’t allowed to take off their hats. When asked what might be under them, Maridueña speculated that it could be the shape of their heads or even a third eye. “Maybe they’re like snails… maybe there’s a third eye up there. I’m so disturbed,” he joked.
Amid the humor and adventure, the film carries a meaningful message about the importance of community. Maridueña emphasized that in times of doubt, people should look to their communities for support. “The community is really what’s most important,” he said. “A lot of other forces are going to try to affect the community, but it’s on the ground level that a lot of the change and a lot of the culture is happening.”
This sentiment was echoed by other cast members. Nick Offerman, who plays a supporting role, said, “The members of your community are all to be valued equally. And from them, you can learn what your purpose is.” John Goodman added, “Each one has a purpose that must be respected. And it makes for a diverse and interesting community.”
Working with Rihanna was a highlight for many cast members. Offerman described it as a no-brainer, saying, “When you get pitched a project, sometimes it requires thought and/or negotiation. Like, ‘Well, that’s a lesser hip-hop artist, so I’m gonna need a limousine.’ But when they come with Smurfs and Rihanna, you’re just like, where have you been all my life?”
Rihanna not only voiced Smurfette but also produced the film and contributed to the music. She called the experience “thrilling” and “challenging.” “It was invigorating and exciting for me to not only embody a character but also bring my musical life into the mix,” she said. “We worked with music producers and choreographers whose work I admire. To put those two worlds together was a win-win for everyone. It pushed us all to challenge our artistry.”
Directed by Chris Miller, the film honors the original designs by Peyo and the beloved Saturday morning cartoons many grew up with, while reimagining the world through a vibrant, modern lens. “In this film, audiences will see Smurfs in a way that no one’s ever seen them before,” said Miller.
From a peaceful village in the forest to an epic, interdimensional journey, The Smurfs Movie is a reminder of the power of friendship, community, and finding your purpose.