New music from Rihanna?! 5 reasons why Smurfs is the film of the summer

Code blue: everyone’s favourite little creatures are about to take over the big screen, so get ready to ‘Smurf’ your pants.

While you may be tempted by an escape to the sun this summer, you’re guaranteed to have a better time packing a suitcase for Smurf Village!

Smurfs is the live-action animated musical fantasy comedy film of the season, and not least because of what’s shaping up to be a banging soundtrack.

Ahead of its release in UK cinemas on July 18, let’s dive into what exactly we have to look forward to – and why it’s shaping up to be the family film of the summer…

1. New music from Rihanna

Ask any Rihanna superfan, and they’ll tell you how eagerly they waited for the return of ‘RiRi’ to the recording studio.

It’s been almost a decade since her last album, and while there may be a bit more to wait ’til the next one, there’s finally some new music for them to sink their ears into.

One of the biggest names in music put her unique twist on the sound of the Smurfs, with hip-thrusting songs on the soundtrack.

The internet was sent into a frenzy when the showstopping track ‘Friend of Mine’ dropped last month. Backed by a cool beat, the song captures the good vibes of the little blue besties.

She’ll be joined on the soundtrack by Tyla, Desi Trill featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B and more, so there are plenty more blue-tastic beats to look forward to.

Not only is Rihanna on the soundtrack, but she’s also taking on one of the film’s most iconic roles: Smurfette. Described by her as a ‘little blue badass’, the blonde powerhouse is sure to get audiences cheering.

2. A new adventure

So, what’s going down in Smurf Village? Well, when their peaceful community is sent into upheaval with the abduction of Papa Smurf (John Goodman), it’s down to the little blue guys to venture into the real world to rescue him from evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel (JP Karliak).

Leading the mission is the fearless Smurfette (Rihanna) and new guy on the block No Name (James Corden), who take charge of storming Razamel’s castle and plan to take no prisoners… other than Papa, of course.

And due to their tiny stature, this can’t just be a solo mission. In their quest, they enlist the help of Papa’s brother Ken (Nick Offerman) and the chaotic SnooterPoots, led by matriarch Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne).

With the help of their new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

3. A star-studded cast

Joining film leads Rihanna and James Corden in the recording studio are some of the biggest names that Hollywood has to offer, from dramatic darlings to titans of comedy.

Taking on the role of red-hatted patriarch Papa Smurf is Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner John Goodman. Not only has he starred in big-screen blockbusters and TV comfort watches, but he’s also the voice behind some of your favourite animated characters.

The list of famous voices continues with sitcom king Nick Offerman, streaming darling Xolo Maridueña, and a few others you may recognise…

Expect to hear Kurt Russell, Sandra Oh, Nick Kroll, Octavia Spencer, Billie Lourde, Amy Sedaris, Dan Levy and even Kimmy Kimme in action. With so many hilarious performers on one cast, audiences are vibrating to hear what they bring to the recording booth.

And it’s not just Hollywood that’s bringing its magic to the big screen – talent from this side of the pond are getting in on the action too.

Triple threat Hannah Waddingham joins the cast as the witch Jezebeth. Some more surprising British voices are also set to grace your ears, from panel show staple Jon Richardson, West End maven Giovanna Fletcher and, wait for it… Rylan Clark!

4. Beloved characters return to the big screen

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone without a childhood memory of The Smurfs. The Belgian comic, created by Peyo back in the 50s, has worked its way into the hearts of millions across the globe over the past few decades.

In Smurfs, not only will iconic characters like Smurfette, Papa Smurf and Gargamel be gracing the big screen, but they’ll be joined by a roster of new characters like No Name – so named as he has yet to find what makes him unique.

5. A new creative vision

If you’ve ever wanted to see a mushroom village brought to life with the energy of a Saturday morning cartoon after three espressos, look no further.

At the helm of this fantastical production is an icon of animation, director Chris Miller. Formerly a voice actor and animator, his creative mind is what brought us some instant classics like Shrek the Third to Puss in Boots.

So rest assured, the blue characters are in safe hands.

Production services on Smurfs were whipped together by Nickelodeon Animation Studio, while the animation muscle came courtesy of Cinesite, a dream team for all things blue, bouncy, and bizarre.

Drawing inspiration from Peyo’s original comics but with modern flair, it feels like The Smurfs have leapt off the page, stolen your popcorn, and just started doing backflips.

Smurfs arrives in cinemas across the UK on July 18, so secure your tickets today.