Movies - The Smurfs: A Blue Wave in Landerneau Breaks World Record Ahead of Movie Comeback

By Mulder, Landerneau, 17 may 2025

Landerneau has never looked so... Smurfy. On May 17, 2025, the usually calm streets of this small Breton town erupted into a joyful sea of blue as 3,076 people donned white caps, painted their faces, and transformed themselves into full-fledged Smurfs. After two unsuccessful attempts in previous years, the town finally clinched the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Smurfs, toppling the former record held by Lauchringen, Germany, where 2,762 participants had previously claimed the Guinness title. It was a spectacular moment filled with cheers, music, and that unmistakable mix of childlike glee and communal pride—a moment years in the making, and one perfectly timed with the Smurfs’ much-anticipated return to the big screen this July.

The impetus behind this third attempt? The upcoming Smurfs animated musical comedy film, directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Matt Landon, which is set to hit U.S. theaters on July 18 and French cinemas just two days earlier on July 16. Produced by Paramount Animation and featuring none other than Rihanna as the voice—and musical heart—of Smurfette, this reboot promises a vibrant, action-packed, and emotionally rich return to the world of the little blue forest dwellers. The record-breaking event in Landerneau wasn’t just a publicity stunt—it was a heartfelt tribute by a town enamored with Peyo’s timeless universe, and an example of how these characters continue to inspire generations to come together, smile, and believe in something larger than themselves.

There’s a kind of poetic justice in the fact that it was Landerneau—a town that celebrates whimsy through events like the Carnaval de la Lune Étoilée—that achieved this milestone. Organized by the dedicated volunteers of the Pays de Landerneau-Daoulas Animations association, and supported by Paramount Pictures France and the Peyo Company, the event had the flair of a festival and the energy of a dream finally realized. From Papa Smurf lookalikes to little ones giggling behind their blue-painted cheeks, the day was more than a record-breaking occasion; it was a full-blown cultural celebration. Anecdotes floated through the crowd: one woman, a retired schoolteacher, confessed to having grown up reading Johan et Pirlouit and dreaming of one day living in a mushroom-shaped house. A little boy dressed as Brainy Smurf proclaimed that he was there to “save Papa Smurf from the bad guys”—a reference to the new film’s plotline that sees the wise leader kidnapped by two dastardly wizards, Gargamel and his brother Razamel.

The synergy between the celebration and the movie's storyline couldn’t have been more on point. Just as the Smurfs in the upcoming film must unite to save Papa Smurf and discover what truly defines them, the town of Landerneau came together to accomplish a shared goal. The upcoming film, which boasts a dazzling cast including Nick Offerman, Dan Levy, Octavia Spencer, Amy Sedaris, and James Corden, doesn’t just revisit familiar characters—it reinvents them with musical flair and heartfelt emotion. Rihanna isn’t just voicing Smurfette; she’s contributing original songs, including “Friend of Mine,” which dropped on May 16 and already has fans humming along in anticipation. The animation itself, courtesy of Cinesite, leans heavily on the expressive, bouncy style of Peyo’s original illustrations, combining action lines and comic book aesthetics with a modern cinematic polish that’s sure to resonate with old fans and new viewers alike.

The global scope of the Smurfs brand is nothing new. Since their creation in 1958 by Belgian artist Pierre “Peyo” Culliford, the Smurfs have conquered comic books, Saturday morning cartoons, 3D animated films, and now, a musical extravaganza backed by some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names. But what’s remarkable is how consistently they’ve embodied values like teamwork, joy, humor, and ecological respect. Each Smurf is unique, yet always part of a greater whole—a sentiment beautifully mirrored in the Landerneau record attempt, where no one Smurf was more important than another, and everyone counted. Literally.

This record-setting event also marks a significant win for the Peyo Company, now spearheaded by Peyo’s daughter Véronique Culliford. Their ongoing partnership with Paramount Animation breathes new life into the Smurf universe, with future projects already in development. The 2025 Smurfs movie might be the first in a new franchise, but it’s clear that the real magic lies in how these stories, and these characters, continue to touch hearts across generations. Whether it’s through nostalgic affection or newfound discovery, the Smurfs endure because they offer something rare in modern pop culture: genuine, unfiltered optimism.

As the sun set over Landerneau that day, the blue face paint may have begun to smear, and the mushroom hats may have tilted, but the smiles never faded. For one glorious afternoon, magic wasn’t confined to the screen or the pages of a comic book—it danced in the streets of a small town in Brittany. And when the Smurfs movie opens in July, don’t be surprised if you feel a twinge of blue pride, knowing that the most Smurf-tastic moment of the year didn’t come from Hollywood—it came from the heart of Landerneau.

Synopsis : 
When Papa Smurf is mysteriously kidnapped by the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette and her best friend, the Nameless Smurf, set out on a mission to find him! Thus begins a wild adventure in which our blue heroes encounter colorful new friends such as Mama Poot and her little ones. The Smurfs must take control of their destiny to save the world!

Smurfs
Directed by Chris Miller
Written by Pam Brady
Based on The Smurfs by Peyo
Produced by Ryan Harris, Rihanna, Laurence "Jay" Brown, Tyran "Ty-Ty" Smith
Starring  Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, J. P. Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, John Goodman
Production companies : Paramount Animation, Marcy Media Films, LAFIG Belgium, Peyo Company
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date : July 16, 2025 (France), July 18, 2025 (United Sates), 

Photos : Getty Images for Paramount Pictures