Movies - Landerneau Goes Blue: The Smurfs Return for a Record-Breaking Day

By Mulder, 17 april 2025

On May 17, 2025, while the glamorous red carpets of the Cannes Film Festival will surely be rolled out and all eyes may seem to be on Eurovision hopeful Louane in Basel, another story — smaller in scale but bigger in heart — will unfold in the Breton town of Landerneau. A story filled with blue paint, white hats, community spirit, and an ambitious goal: breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Smurfs. Organized by the Pays de Landerneau-Daoulas association and supported by the Peyo Company and Paramount Pictures France, this unique initiative brings together nostalgia, celebration, and a deep-rooted love for the timeless characters created by Peyo. For a town already renowned for its biannual Carnaval de la Lune Étoilée, this record attempt feels less like a novelty and more like the next natural step in a place that breathes joy, creativity, and a sense of togetherness.

This is not Landerneau’s first blue rodeo. In 2020, an impressive 3,549 participants gathered for an unofficial attempt — a Smurf-tinted spectacle that, despite its success in participation, remained off the record books. In 2023, rain dampened the turnout but not the spirits. With that signature Breton resilience — after all, as they say, "stubborn as a Breton" — the town is back, ready to turn the page and claim the title. The current record of 2,762 participants is held by Lauchringen, a town on the German-Swiss border that pulled off the feat in 2019 after a failed first try. Prior to that, it was Swansea in Wales that held the title. In this unofficial European championship of Smurfdom, Landerneau is clearly ready to put France back in the running — not with strategy or politics, but with blue face paint, white pants, and a ton of community spirit.

Adding to the event’s excitement is the timing. Just two months later, on July 16, the beloved blue characters will return to cinemas across France in a brand-new animated film titled simply Smurfs. Directed by Chris Miller (Puss in Boots) and written by Pam Brady (South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut), the film is shaping up to be a centerpiece of the summer box office, with a star-studded voice cast in both its English and French versions. Rihanna headlines the original version, voicing Smurfette and contributing original songs to the soundtrack — a move that has already stirred considerable buzz internationally. But the French version is no less impressive, featuring some of the most recognizable voices in the francophone world. Jérôme Commandeur takes on the role of the Nameless Smurf, a new character in search of his identity. Sofia Essaïdi becomes the new French Smurfette, stepping into the blue shoes of a character who, in this film, must lead the Smurfs after Papa Smurf is kidnapped.

The vocal cast doesn't stop there. François Damiens voices Razamel, Gargamel's brother and a new antagonist who will certainly test the resolve of our blue heroes. Virginie Hocq brings to life Moxie, a spirited Smurf with energy to spare, while Gérard Hernandez reprises his role as Papa Smurf — a voice that has been synonymous with wisdom and warmth for generations of French viewers. In a particularly nostalgic twist, Dorothée returns to the Smurfs universe as Enjouée, a magical and mischievous grimoire who adds a fantastical touch to the story. Philippe Katerine, known for his offbeat humor and creative flair, voices the fashion-obsessed Smurf Coquet, while international music icon Patricia Kaas joins the adventure as Mama Poot, leader of the Snooterpoots, a whimsical new group of allies. This blend of actors, comedians, and musicians promises a unique audio experience that will appeal to both long-time fans and new generations discovering the Smurfs for the first time.

Unlike previous big-screen adventures that blended live action and animation, this 2025 film returns to the roots of the franchise with a fully animated aesthetic inspired directly by Peyo’s original illustrations. The artistic direction leans heavily into the charm of the comics, combining 2D textures with 3D depth to create a visual world that feels timeless and refreshingly new. The plot follows Smurfette and the Nameless Smurf as they embark on a rescue mission to save Papa Smurf from the clutches of Razamel and Gargamel. Along the way, they’ll encounter strange lands, bizarre creatures, and challenges that will test their courage and teamwork. Music plays a central role, especially with Rihanna’s original songs anchoring the film’s emotional and narrative beats — though there are hints the French version may hold its own musical surprises.

Back in Landerneau, the countdown to the big day is already underway. The local community, fueled by the energy and organizational strength of the Pays de Landerneau-Daoulas association, has a proven track record of creating large-scale festive events, such as the Starry Moon Carnival that attracts over 50,000 visitors every two years. In odd-numbered years, they pivot to one-off projects like this Guinness World Record attempt, which aligns perfectly with their mission to put Landerneau on the cultural map far beyond the borders of Brittany. With 45 active members, 10 organizing committees, and hundreds of volunteers ready to go, it’s no exaggeration to say that the town is pouring its heart into this smurf-tacular celebration.

Beyond the record-breaking ambition and promotional synergy with the upcoming movie, what makes this event so compelling is its message. The Smurfs have always stood for values like cooperation, resilience, kindness, and a touch of mischief. These same values are being brought to life in Landerneau, not just through costumes and photo ops, but through a community that believes in joy, creativity, and unity. In a world often too focused on cynicism and division, this event is a refreshing reminder of what can be achieved when people come together — even if it means painting themselves blue and dancing to a tune that begins, “La la la schtroumpf la la…”

So whether you’re a longtime Smurfs fan or just curious about what happens when an entire town decides to smurf its way into the record books, mark your calendars. May 17, 2025, promises to be more than just a day of fun in Landerneau — it will be a living tribute to an enduring legacy, a celebration of imagination, and a bold step into the future for one of pop culture’s most beloved little blue families.

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.)

Crédit Photo : Marie-Noëlle Hirrien