Smurfs bosses spent a year deciding on Smurfette’s ‘new look’ with Rihanna

Smurfs director Chris Miller has opened up about how Rihanna was ‘invaluable’ on set, breathing new life into one of the most iconic characters in the world.

The filmmaker is responsible for bringing the blue crew back to the big screen for another adventure with a star-studded cast, including John Goodman as Papa Smurf alongside James Corden, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Dan Levy, Sandra Oh and Hannah Waddingham.

The movie follows Smurfette (Rihanna) and No Name (James) springing into action and leading the gang on a wild mission to bring Papa Smurf (John Goodman) back after he’s mysteriously kidnapped.

As well as leading the cast, the Diamonds singer recorded a new song for the soundtrack – while also serving as producer, working closely with Chris to bring their vision to life.

Speaking to Metro, the filmmaker lifted the lid on working so closely with the mom-of-two, sharing: ‘She brought a life. Obviously her performance is great and that’s something that happens over the course of a few years, many recording sessions.

‘In between that, we were hyper focused with Rih, especially on Smurfette and do we want to bring a new look to Smurfette?

‘We spent a long time – about a year, actually – even going through different hair styles and even slight subtle costume changes and little things.

‘We really, really, really pushed it to places that it was like, “We can’t, this is not going to happen.” We went almost full circle back to those original Peyo designs with some slight modifications, and felt really good about it.

‘With Rihanna, it’s like showing her art and really just getting her to react. She was invaluable in that way.’

Smurfs will be unleashed on the big screen this week, and the official synopsis reads: ‘When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him.

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

Smurfette made her debut in the comic strip in 1966 and became an instant favorite with fans – she was voiced by Lucille Bliss in more than 200 episodes of the cartoon version, while Katy Perry took on the role in the 2011 film, and the 2013 sequel.

Demi Lovato and Melissa Sturm have also voiced the character over the years, with Rihanna putting her own spin on the character in the latest Smurfs project.

Without giving too much away, RiRi’s version managed to get under the skin of Papa Smurf’s brother, Ken – aka Nick Offerman – with the pair spending much of the film trading barbs.

When asked how it was to go up against the reigning queen of sass, Nick told us: ‘It was really fun. I’m hoping we can keep our beef contained to just on screen.

‘But Rihanna is a very spicy personality so I’ll mind my manners at the premiere.’

As he should.

Smurfs is in cinemas on July 18.

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