Premiere - The Smurfs : Premiere Celebrates a Smurf-tastic Revival with Voices, Stars, and Nostalgia at Le Grand Rex

By Mulder, Paris, Le Grand Rex, 06 july 2025

On July 6, 2025, under the opulent ceilings of Le Grand Rex in Paris, the magic of the Smurfs returned in full force for a premiere that was both a nostalgic celebration and a thrilling introduction to a new chapter in the beloved blue saga. The French premiere of The Smurfs was a radiant affair that combined the charm of the original characters created by Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo) with the energy of a new generation of talent, making it clear that these little blue heroes are here to stay. Hosted by the dynamic duo Christophe Beaugrand and Élodie Gossuin, the morning event brought together fans young and old for a vibrant presentation filled with warmth, surprises, and a show-stopping karaoke finale featuring the original Smurfs theme song — a tune that instantly transported the crowd back to the 1980s, when it ruled the airwaves on NBC and France’s Antenne 2 in the famed Récré A2 program.

The emotional core of the premiere, however, was the impressive and delightfully eclectic French voice cast that took to the stage to introduce the film. Sofia Essaïdi, who voices Smurfette in the French version (a role originally embodied by Rihanna in the English-language version), spoke about how meaningful it was to give voice to a character that now embodies leadership and strength as she leads the Smurfs on a quest to rescue the kidnapped Papa Smurf. The legendary Gérard Hernandez, whose iconic voice has been associated with Papa Smurf since the 1980s, received thunderous applause, a heartfelt reminder of his enduring connection to the franchise. Another emotional highlight came with the return of Dorothée, beloved TV host and icon of French childhood television, who now lends her voice to the magical grimoire Enjouée. Her presence marked a poetic return to the universe that helped define an entire generation’s Saturday mornings.

One of the day’s biggest surprises was the humorous and heartfelt introduction of Jérôme Commandeur, who voices the new character Le Schtroumpf Sans-Nom (Nameless Smurf), a lost soul in search of identity — a narrative arc that both mirrors and celebrates the diversity and complexity of today’s animated characters. His performance promises to blend humor with a touching dose of introspection. Equally applauded was François Damiens, cast as Razamel, the wicked brother of Gargamel, and a formidable new antagonist who teams up with his sibling to threaten Smurf-kind. Damiens’ reputation for offbeat and colorful performances ensures that Razamel will be a villain both hilarious and menacing. Also bringing Belgian flair to the mix is Virginie Hocq, who voices Moxie, a bold and energetic new female Smurf set to shake up the village’s quiet harmony.

Perhaps the most surprising turn came from Patricia Kaas, lending her iconic voice to Mama Poot, the eccentric leader of the Snooterpoots clan. Known for her timeless songs and emotive stage presence, Patricia Kaas brings unexpected musical elegance to a zany and wildly creative supporting character. Meanwhile, Philippe Katerine delivers his trademark absurdist humor as Smurf Coquet, a narcissistic and hilariously self-absorbed Smurf with a penchant for mirror-gazing. Together, these casting choices reflect a rich blend of comedy, nostalgia, and innovation, underlining the film's goal of uniting long-time fans with new audiences.

Directed by Chris Miller, known for his work on Puss in Boots, and written by Pam Brady, screenwriter of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, The Smurfs is not just a reboot but a full-on musical reinvention. Animated entirely by Cinesite, the film abandons the hybrid animation/live-action formula of earlier entries in favor of a vibrant style inspired directly by Peyo’s original comic books — complete with dynamic lines, comic-style effects, and an artistic buoyancy that captures the charm of the Smurfs like never before. With original songs by Rihanna, including Friend of Mine, and a robust soundtrack featuring James Fauntleroy, Lous and the Yakuza, Tyla, Shenseea, and even Cardi B, the musical aspect is not just decorative — it's foundational. Composer Henry Jackman, returning to work with Chris Miller after Puss in Boots, delivers a rousing and emotionally rich score that bridges fantasy, humor, and heartfelt adventure.

The plot follows the classic hero’s journey: when Papa Smurf is mysteriously kidnapped by the evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel, Smurfette, alongside her new companion Le Schtroumpf Sans-Nom, embarks on a perilous adventure into the real world. Along the way, they encounter fantastical allies like Mama Poot and her mischievous tribe, setting the stage for epic battles, laugh-out-loud moments, and tender reflections on identity and courage. It’s a film that deftly balances emotional stakes with comedic highs, making it clear that The Smurfs is as much about inner journeys as outer ones.

The premiere at Le Grand Rex w was a sincere tribute to a franchise that continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Véronique Culliford, daughter of Peyo, was present to witness this renewed tribute to her father’s legacy, visibly moved by how far the little blue characters had come. Her presence served as a gentle reminder that the Smurfs are not just cultural icons but familial heritage, passed from generation to generation. And as the entire cast and audience joined in unison for a grand karaoke finale of the classic Smurfs theme, the room filled with a sense of unity and shared memory that very few franchises can claim to evoke with such genuine affection.

With its official release set for July 16 in France and July 18 in the United States, The Smurfs promises to be a highlight of the 2025 summer film season. Far more than a nostalgic exercise, it stands as a joyful, musically-charged, artistically ambitious reinterpretation of Peyo’s timeless creation. Whether you’re a child discovering the Smurfs for the first time or a longtime fan humming along to the classic theme, this new film is a celebration of friendship, family, and the colorful mischief that only the Smurfs can deliver.

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Synopsis;
When Papa Smurf is mysteriously kidnapped by the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette and her best friend Le Smtroumpf Sans-Nom set off on a mission to find him! And so begins a wild adventure in which our blue heroes cross paths with colorful new friends like Mama Poot and her little ones. The Smurfs must take their destiny into their own hands to save the whole world! The most eagerly-awaited animated film of the summer features an XXL voice cast: Jérôme Commandeur (Nameless Smurf), François Damiens (Razamel), Sofia Essaïdi (Smurfette, interpreted by Rihanna in the original version), Philippe Katerine (Smurf Coquet), Dorothée (Enjouée, le Grimoire), Virginie Hocq (Moxie), Gérard Hernandez (Papa Smurf), and the exceptional participation of Patricia Kaas (Mama Poot).

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

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville