Movies - Smurfs : An exceptional voice cast for the French version

By Mulder, 06 february 2025

The famous blue creatures created by Peyo are set to make their big return to the big screen with Smurfs, scheduled for release in France on July 16, 2025. This new, fully animated opus marks a veritable renaissance for the franchise, and promises a magical, musical adventure unlike any other. At the helm of this ambitious production, Chris Miller, known for his work on The Pussycat (2011), takes the director's reins, while Pam Brady, screenwriter of the South Park film, is in charge of writing a fast-paced story full of twists and turns.

While the original version benefits from the exceptional participation of Rihanna, who lends her voice to Smurfette and also composes the film's soundtrack, the French version will not be outdone, with a prestigious vocal cast combining actors, comedians and iconic figures from the music scene. Paramount Pictures France has revealed the artists who will bring the characters beloved by French-speaking audiences to life, and the least we can say is that there are plenty of surprises in store.

Among the new French voices, Jérôme Commandeur has been chosen to play the role of Nameless Smurf, a new character in the Smurfs universe. This newcomer to the village will set out in search of his identity, and will have to learn to overcome his doubts to find his place among his people. The comedian, recently acclaimed for his parodies on Canal+, will bring to his character a touch of humor, but also a great deal of tenderness and spontaneity.

François Damiens and Virginie Hocq, two Belgian comedians particularly appreciated by the public, will also be taking part. François Damiens, a specialist in offbeat roles and colorful characters, will lend his voice to Razamel, the brother of the sorcerer Gargamel, who promises to be a formidable new antagonist for the Smurfs. Virginie Hocq, meanwhile, will play the role of Moxie, a dynamic and intrepid Smurf who is likely to shake things up in the village. This Belgian duo brings a touch of authenticity to the world of the Smurfs, in a nod to the country of Peyo, creator of the famous little blue characters.

The role of the Smurfette, played in the original by Rihanna, will be played in the French version by Sofia Essaïdi. The singer and actress, who has already lent her voice to a character from La Pat' Patrouille : La Super Patrouille in the cinema, succeeds a worldwide superstar in playing this emblematic character. In this new adventure, Smurfette takes on a central role, assuming leadership of the village in Papa Smurf's absence, the latter having been kidnapped by Razamel and Gargamel. Strong, courageous and always determined, Smurfette will have to take the lead to lead her people to victory.

Gérard Hernandez, the character's iconic voice since 1981, returns to the role of Papa Smurf. His recognizable tone and talent for portraying characters both wise and mischievous will make this new incarnation of Papa Smurf a moment long-awaited by long-time fans. Always true to his role, he will bring a depth and a touch of humor that make the village doyen so charming.

Dorothée, the TV icon of the '80s and '90s, makes a particularly strong comeback in this French version. More than 40 years after recording the famous Smurfs song, she joins the cast, lending her voice to Enjouée, a magical, mischievous grimoire who plays an essential role in this adventure. The former Récré A2 and Club Dorothée host is back with the Smurfs in a role that is sure to rekindle nostalgia among viewers.

Another actor who promises to cause a stir in this vocal cast is Philippe Katerine, who will lend his voice to Smurf Coquet. Known for his eccentricity and unique artistic universe, Philippe Katerine seems the perfect choice for this narcissistic, appearance-obsessed character. With his offbeat lines and absurdist humor, his performance is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Last but not least, this prestigious cast is rounded off by the exceptional participation of Patricia Kaas. The singer, whose international career has made her one of the most emblematic figures in French chanson, will play the role of Mama Poot, an extravagant creature and leader of the Snooterpoots clan. This group of mischievous creatures will lend a helping hand to the Smurfs in their quest, bringing a new dimension to the film's universe.
Beyond its impressive cast, The Smurfs - The Movie will also stand out for its innovative visual aesthetic and unique musical approach. Unlike previous adaptations mixing animation and live action, this new opus will be entirely animated, with an art direction reminiscent of the original illustrations in Peyo's comic books. With fluid animation and a mix of 2D and 3D, the Smurfs universe promises to be more alive than ever.

One of the most eagerly-awaited aspects of the film is its musical dimension, supported by Rihanna, who will provide the original soundtrack and perform several previously unreleased tracks. While her involvement in the project has generated huge excitement, the French version may also hold a few surprises in store on the soundtrack front.

The Smurfs promises to be one of the major animated films of summer 2025, combining adventure, humor and music to appeal to long-time fans and new generations alike. With an exceptional voice cast and a modern reinterpretation of Peyo's universe, Paramount Pictures hopes to offer viewers an immersive experience full of magic. So get ready to see life in blue from July 16, 2025 in theaters, and discover a film that promises to be smurfingly unforgettable.

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 (U.S.),