Pop icon Rihanna is stepping into a whole new world—this time, the whimsical blue-hued universe of the Smurfs. The multi-talented artist will voice Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs animated film, slated for release on July 18, 2025. But Rihanna isn’t just voicing the beloved character—she’s also serving as a producer and contributing original music to the film’s soundtrack.

A Star-Studded Smurf Adventure

This fresh reboot of the Smurfs franchise promises a bold new adventure. The plot follows Smurfette as she leads a daring rescue mission to save Papa Smurf, who has been kidnapped by the villainous wizards Gargamel and Razamel. The journey takes the blue crew beyond the enchanted Smurf Village and into the bustling heart of Paris, mixing fantasy and real-world adventure.

Rihanna joins an impressive voice cast that includes:

• John Goodman as Papa Smurf

• Nick Offerman, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, and James Corden voicing various Smurf and non-Smurf characters

The film is directed by Chris Miller (Shrek the Third, Puss in Boots) with Matt Landon as co-director.

Music Meets Animation

 

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Rihanna’s musical involvement adds a fresh, high-energy layer to the franchise. The first trailer features her powerful rendition of Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth”, giving fans a nostalgic yet modern vibe. She will also be contributing original tracks for the soundtrack, making her one of the few artists to blend acting, producing, and singing in a major animated feature.

In a press announcement, Rihanna expressed her excitement:

“I’ve always loved the Smurfs. Getting to bring Smurfette to life and create music for this world is such a fun and meaningful experience.”

A Legacy of Star-Voiced Smurfettes

Rihanna is the latest in a line of pop royalty to take on the role of Smurfette. Katy Perry voiced her in the 2011 and 2013 live-action/CGI hybrid films, while Demi Lovato took over for Smurfs: The Lost Village in 2017. Now, with Rihanna’s dynamic voice and cultural influence, the blue-skinned heroine is set for a bold reinvention.

What to Expect

With its unique blend of comedy, heart, music, and magic, the 2025 Smurfs movie aims to capture both nostalgic fans and a new generation of viewers. Rihanna’s presence guarantees a strong musical identity and broad appeal, especially as she continues to expand her artistic empire beyond music and fashion.

The film is being produced by Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies, signaling a major push to reboot the Smurfs for today’s audience. Smurfs (2025) is shaping up to be more than just a family movie—it’s a pop culture event. Rihanna’s involvement both behind the mic and behind the scenes promises a fresh, exciting take on one of the most beloved animated franchises in the world.