Rihanna stars as Smurfette and also produces the new 'Smurfs' movie, shaping its music and character direction. Her passion, vision, and voice bring a bold, modern energy to the franchise.
Rihanna is diving into animation as Smurfette in the new 'Smurfs' movie—but she’s not just lending her voice, she’s playing a much bigger role behind the scenes, too. According to director Chris Miller, the global superstar didn’t just agree to the role—she actively pursued it.
At the Los Angeles premiere, Miller shared that Rihanna was eager to be part of the project from the beginning. Her passion for the 'Smurfs' franchise was evident in early conversations, where she expressed a clear vision for the character. Miller said Rihanna is the perfect Smurfette because she’s real and truly connects with the character.
Rihanna's Role in the 'Smurfs' Movies
Not only does Rihanna voice the iconic blue heroine, but she also serves as a producer and has contributed original songs to the soundtrack. Miller noted that her creative input shaped more than just the character’s voice; she helped craft the film’s soundscape with carefully selected needle drops and musical atmosphere.
Image Courtesy: Getty
Rihanna, who attended the premiere with her two sons, RZA and Riot, has long been a 'Smurfs' fan. Writer Pam Brady explained that her perspective helped define Smurfette’s personality during the early development stages. When Rihanna described the character as bold and uncompromising in a past interview, it immediately resonated with the creative team and helped solidify the direction for the script.
The film also features a high-profile voice cast, including John Goodman, Nick Offerman, among others.
Waddingham, who recently completed a trio of animated films including 'The Garfield Movie' and 'Lilo & Stitch', praised Rihanna's casting as a smart move that connects the classic franchise to a modern audience. She described Rihanna's instantly recognisable voice and confident energy as perfect for bringing Smurfette into a new era.
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Co-star Maridueña echoed that excitement, saying Rihanna’s involvement added major appeal to the project. As someone with younger siblings, he appreciated the opportunity to be part of a family-friendly film that his sisters would enjoy.
The 'Smurfs' movie opens in theatres this Friday, promising a colourful adventure backed by music, humour, and a fresh take on a beloved franchise, with Rihanna leading the charge.