The Smurfsare back again, and this time the little blue critters are returning in full live-action/animated hybrid style with an all-star voice cast that includesRihanna, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, and industry veteransKurt Russelland John Goodman. The first trailer for the movie, which was originally set to be released on February 14 until it was pushed back to July 18, has now delivered a first look at this newest in a long line of new Smurf properties coming soon.
Smurfswill arrive in theaters and have to compete with some of the biggest blockbusters of the year, a weight that even Hefty Smurf could struggle to lift when the time comes.Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, andThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsare all piled into a summer that is hoping to avoid a similarly packed release schedule in 2023, which saw manyhuge movies disappoint at the box office. CanThe Smurfshold its own among a massively hyped combination of superheroes and dinosaurs? You can see how the film is stacking up in the newly released trailer below.
‘Smurfs’ Is Looking to Repeat Previous Success
For some little blue cartoon creations from Belgium, the Smurfs have certainly left their mark on pop culture. From the long-running 1980s animated series, which is still syndicated 40 years later, through various games and spin-offs, the Smurfs found a new audience in 2011 when Sony released the first of two live-action/animated hybrid movies to incredible financial results.The Smurfsmade over $550 million at the box office, and the sequel pulled in $350 two years later. However, the popularity of the films did not extend to critical reviews.
Both movies were trashed by critics, and they currently hold a 21% and 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were a little more accommodating, with around 50% scores for both movies, but in the end, the films “pander too much to children” for many adults to be in any way engaged by the silliness. Strange for a kids’ movie.
Are the Smurfs Actually Communist?
For decades there have been theories swirling that the Smurfs might be secret communists, here’s what you need to know.
The big problem is that many movies based on children’s characters have managed to find their way into the hearts of the parents who end up being dragged along.The Super Mario Bros. MovieandSonic the Hedgehogare two recent examples, and that is one thing thatThe Smurfshas going for it this summer. Along with its big-name cast, and frequently successful crossover of 3D animation and a live-action setting, the film is directed byChris Miller, best known for his work on theShrekandMadagascarfranchises. Whether he can work his magic onThe Smurfsis something we will find out when the movie arrives in cinemas on August 10, 2025.
