On July 18, 2025, the animated reboot of “The Smurfs,” directed by Chris Miller, hit theaters with Rihanna voicing Smurfette and James Corden as No Name Smurf, but it faced harsh criticism for its convoluted plot and lack of charm. Produced by Paramount Animation with an $80 million budget, the film follows the Smurfs on a multiversal quest to rescue Papa Smurf, kidnapped by villains Razamel and Gargamel, who seek a magical book to control the universe. Featuring a star-studded cast, including John Goodman, Nick Offerman, and Natasha Lyonne, the movie earned a mere 25% on Rotten Tomatoes and 29 on Metacritic, criticized for its disjointed narrative and weak humor. Rihanna, also a producer, contributed original songs, but the film’s three musical numbers failed to capture the magic of Peyo’s classic creation. The premiere in Brussels on June 28, attended by Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, drew crowds but couldn’t salvage the film’s poor reception.
The introduction of No Name Smurf, a character without a defined identity who unlocks magical powers, sets the story in motion by revealing the Smurfs’ village to the villains. Marketed as a musical, the film disappointed with its sparse musical moments, drawing unfavorable comparisons to “Trolls.” Critics called it a “missed opportunity,” despite its vibrant visuals and high-profile cast.
- Star-studded cast: Rihanna, James Corden, John Goodman, and Natasha Lyonne voice key characters.
- Global premiere: Launched July 18, 2025, after a Brussels event on June 28.
- Critical flop: Scored 25% on Rotten Tomatoes and 29 on Metacritic.
- High budget: $80 million spent on animation and multiversal effects.
The film aimed to blend pop culture appeal with a modern multiverse twist but struggled to engage audiences, failing to resonate with both children and adults. Rihanna’s involvement as Smurfette and producer generated buzz, but the execution fell short of expectations.
Critical reception
The Smurfs reboot faced a barrage of negative reviews. Critics described the multiversal plot, involving a chase for magical books across dimensions, as “chaotic” and “uninspired.” With a 25% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 29 on Metacritic, the film was panned for its lack of narrative cohesion. Rihanna’s two original songs, including a dueto with James Corden, were a highlight but couldn’t redeem the lackluster script. Publications like Variety noted the film’s attempt to mimic the energy of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” fell flat due to its “generic” execution.
Director Chris Miller, previously praised for “Puss in Boots,” struggled to balance humor and storytelling. The script by Pam Brady, known for “South Park,” offered occasional laughs, particularly through the villains Razamel and Gargamel, voiced by JP Karliak. However, the film’s pacing and abrupt dimensional shifts alienated viewers, making it less engaging than competitors like “Trolls.”
Cast and production details
The voice cast, a major selling point, includes Rihanna as Smurfette, James Corden as No Name Smurf, and supporting roles by John Goodman (Papa Smurf), Nick Offerman (Ken), Natasha Lyonne (Mama Poot), and Sandra Oh. Despite the talent, critics felt the cast was underutilized, with secondary characters like Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham barely featured. Rihanna’s performance was described as “playful” but inconsistent, while Corden’s casting as No Name Smurf drew mixed reactions due to his polarizing comedic style.
Production began in 2022, with Paramount Animation partnering with the Peyo Company to reimagine the franchise. Rihanna joined in April 2023, taking on both voice and producing roles, and contributed to the soundtrack. Filming relied on cutting-edge digital animation to craft multiversal settings like Paris and Munich, but the visuals were criticized as “cold” and lacking personality. The 92-minute runtime felt rushed, with only three musical numbers despite heavy promotion as a musical.
- Rihanna’s role: Voiced Smurfette, produced, and composed two original songs.
- Supporting cast: Includes Sandra Oh, Kurt Russell, and Hannah Waddingham.
- Chris Miller: Directed with Matt Landon, known for “Puss in Boots.”
- Pam Brady: Scriptwriter with a background in “South Park.”
Legacy of the Smurfs
Created by Belgian artist Peyo in 1958, the Smurfs have spanned comics, TV series, and films, becoming a cultural staple. Unlike the Sony live-action hybrids of 2011 and 2013, this reboot is fully animated, aiming for a modern spin with musical and multiversal elements. The iconic mushroom village remains true to Peyo’s vision, but new characters like No Name Smurf and Smurfs named Ken and Ron sparked debate among fans for deviating from tradition.
The plot centers on No Name Smurf’s discovery of magical powers, which exposes the village and a hidden book guarded by Papa Smurf. The multiversal chase, with portals to cities like Paris, aimed to echo the dynamism of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” but was criticized for its lack of focus. The villains, Razamel and Gargamel, provided some redeeming moments with their comedic interplay.
Marketing and cultural buzz
The marketing campaign leaned heavily on Rihanna’s star power, with posters proclaiming “Rihanna is Smurfette.” The Brussels premiere featured a Mannekin Pis statue dressed as No Name Smurf, drawing thousands. Social media posts under #SmurfsMovie garnered 200,000 interactions, but many expressed disappointment. The soundtrack, featuring Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” and a new dueto, aimed to attract younger audiences but fell short of “Trolls” vibrancy.
The film targeted families and Gen Z, banking on Rihanna’s appeal and the Smurfs’ nostalgia. However, its failure to deliver a cohesive story limited its cultural impact. The production’s $80 million budget, coupled with a global promotional tour, set high expectations that the film couldn’t meet, with early box office projections estimating a modest $20 million opening weekend.
- Rihanna’s draw: Marketing centered on her as Smurfette and producer.
- Brussels event: Premiere included themed attractions at Grand-Place.
- Social media: #SmurfsMovie hit 200,000 interactions, mostly critical.
- Box office: Projected to earn $20 million in its opening weekend.
Standout moments
Despite its flaws, the film has notable moments. Sound Effect Smurf, who communicates through noises, delivers a humorous scene involving a censored “swear word.” The villains Razamel and Gargamel, voiced by JP Karliak, steal scenes with sharp comedic timing. A third-act sequence, inspired by “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” showcases inventive visuals, though it feels detached from the story.
Rihanna’s dueto with Corden, “Always on the Outside,” is a highlight, though the soundtrack lacks the energy of other animated musicals. For kids, the film’s bright colors and fast-paced action offer some appeal, but the narrative’s complexity confused younger viewers. The Smurfs reboot, while ambitious, struggled to balance its multiversal scope with the simplicity that made the franchise iconic.
