Paramount Animation’s new Smurfs film arrives July 18, 2025, merging live-action and animation in a musical comedy adventure starring Rihanna, James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel, John Goodman and more. Directed by Chris Miller (Puss in Boots), with a screenplay by Pam Brady, the film recasts Peyo’s classic creation into a vibrant spectacle for families and fans both young and nostalgic

Rihanna as Smurfette
Rihanna voices Smurfette and takes a producing role, adding creative vision and an original song, “Friend of Mine.” Described by Rihanna as a synth-heavy, club-ready tune with simple, repeatable lyrics, the track marks her first new single in three years.

James Corden and Jimmy Kimmel
Joining Rihanna’s debut are James Corden, voicing a new character named No Name Smurf, whose comedic path mirrors the charm and chaos of its inspiration hot97.com. Jimmy Kimmel returns to the Smurf world—this time lending his voice to an unspecified character—continuing his connection to the franchise after a similar role in 2013 .

Ensemble and Story
The voice cast includes John Goodman reprising Papa Smurf, plus Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Daniel Levy, Octavia Spencer, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll, and other. The plot centers on Smurfette leading her friends on a real-world rescue of Papa Smurf from the twin wizards, Gargamel and Razamel—a quest that emphasizes community and identity.

Soundtrack and Rihanna’s Return
Rihanna’s “Friend of Mine” debuted May 16, produced by Jon Bellion, and Pete Nappi. Reception was polarized: some fans and outlets praised its summer-ready, child-friendly energy and viral hook, while others criticized it as simplistic or overly synthetic . Still, the song has sparked significant conversation, benefitting from its catchy minimalism .

The broader soundtrack, released June 13 via Roc Nation, includes original songs such as “Higher Love” (Desi Trill, Cardi B, DJ Khaled), plus contributions from Tyla and Shensee. 

Production Background
Director Chris Miller and co-director Matt Landon helm the film, which blends classic squash-and-stretch animation with bold musical choreography. Nickelodeon Animation Studio and Cinesite produced the visuals, aiming for a style faithful to Peyo’s comic panels.

The project was delayed several times—originally set for late 2024, moved to February 2025, and ultimately released July 18, 2025, alongside a SpongeBob short titled Order Up.

Animation Trends and Franchise Evolution
This reboot joins a wave of animated musicals—like the Trolls and Sing franchises—that combine celebrity voices, new original songs, and cross-generational storytelling. The extensive cast, chart-oriented soundtrack, and catchy musical numbers position Smurfs as a modern family entertainment experience.

Rihanna’s Cultural Position
Rihanna’s involvement amplifies the film’s appeal. The Boulder-born pop star is both a creative force and a public figure evolving through motherhood, fashion (Savage X Fenty) and beauty (Fenty Skin). In interviews, Rihanna stated this song feels like artistic freedom. Industry coverage notes this release feels deliberately paced, a “musical appetizer” that teases a new album—R9—without rushing.

Her pregnancy announcement—first at the Super Bowl and again at the Met Gala—coincided with her joining this film, suggesting a personal reemergence. She aims to “earn cool points” with her children using Smurfs, and the sensory-rich project offers safe, cross-generational content .

Fan and Critical Reception
Fan reactions reflect nostalgia and expectation. Reddit threads mention excitement and puzzlement over the tone and star power . Music outlets gave mixed reviews: Vulture and Forbes praised the track as a strategic return and “club banger,” while The Daily Beast sharply criticized the song as lackluster or AI-generated.

Box Office Positioning
Scheduled for mid-summer, the film aligns with family vacation calendars. Its hybrid format, celebrity roster, soundtrack-led marketing, and tie-in merchandise—including Rihanna-themed underwear—aim to build a broad lifestyle footprint .

Legacy and Forward Outlook
This Smurfs film is not a simple reboot. It centers Smurfette’s journey, harnesses Rihanna’s musical presence, and unites comedy and big-name voices. Its marketing straddles Billboard and Instagram, packaging nostalgia, female empowerment, and modern music into one family entertainment package.

The success of “Friend of Mine” in streaming charts may set precedents for cross-platform synergy—animated film meets superstar single meets new record cycle.

Cultural Implications
The project reveals how animated franchises can serve as brand hubs—releasing chart-focused music, fashion partnerships, and multi-generational narratives. Rihanna personifies that shift: pop star, producer, mom, and media brand.

Smurfette becomes an icon of transformation: both cinematic heroine and musical muse.

Impression

Smurfs 2025 is more than a children’s movie—it’s a musical-pop-cultural event spearheaded by Rihanna, theatrical in ambition and familial in tone. By combining celebrity voice talent, bold musical choices, and a universal mission, the film charts a path for the animation musical genre and Rihanna’s creative reemergence.

Whether the soundtrack climbs or the movie soars at the box office, the real story is in how Smurfs adapts: evolving with the times without losing its simple, blue-hearted soul. July 18 may mark the start of a new Smurf saga—and a milestone in cross-generational entertainment.

No comments yet.