Rihanna has been cast as the voice of Smurfette in “The Smurfs Movie,” a new live-action hybrid feature from Paramount Animation. To make the announcement on Thursday, the superstar made a surprise appearance in person at CinemaCon, Las Vegas’ annual convention of movie theater owners.
“I tried to get the role of Papa Smurf, but it didn’t work out,” the singer joked with Paramount Animation chief Ramsey Naito onstage at the Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino. It was revealed that Rihanna would star in, write and record original songs, and produce the upcoming project. Dressed in a Stonewashed denim cape, she also confirmed that she is in her third trimester of pregnancy with her second child.
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According to Naito, the film will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”
Rihanna previously lent her voice to the DreamWorks animated feature “Home”, which grossed over $380 million at the worldwide box office. His live-action screen credits include “Battleship,” “This Is the End,” “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” “Ocean’s 8” and “Guava Island.”
Based on the comic books by Belgian artist Peyo, the tribe of little blue creatures previously enjoyed a modern film franchise at Sony Pictures, which debuted a decade ago. Director Raja Gosnell (“Scooby-Doo”) created two live-action hybrid films starring Neil Patrick Harris and voices Julia Roberts, Katy Perry, Hank Azaria and Joe Manganiello.
The film is set to hit the theaters on February 14, 2025. Pam Brady wrote the screenplay and Chris Miller will direct.
In addition to the “Smurfs” reboot, the upcoming Paramount Animation slate includes Seth Rogen’s starring role on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” a new adventure for “SpongeBob SquarePants” and another ride for “Paw Patrol.”
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