Natasha Lyonne brings her distinctive gravelly voice to the animated world in Paramount Pictures’ latest Smurfs reboot, which officially hits theaters today, July 18, 2025. The Russian Doll star voices Mama Poot, a character that critics are already praising for its “good comic effect.”
The film had its world premiere in Brussels on June 28, 2025, and is now releasing nationwide in the United States. This marks a significant return for the beloved blue characters to the big screen, with an all-star cast that includes Rihanna as Smurfette, James Corden, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, and Kurt Russell.
Natasha Lyonne’s Performance Highlights New Direction
Critics are noting that Lyonne’s character, Mama Poot, serves as the leader of a group called the Guardians of Good, with her distinct vocal style bringing humor to the animated feature. The Emmy-nominated actress, known for her roles in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Russian Doll,” adds her trademark wit to the family-friendly franchise.
The movie introduces alternate universes and explores themes of family dynamics, with “a lot of sibling stuff going on in the movie.” Director Chris Miller has crafted a story that takes the Smurfs beyond their traditional village setting, creating new adventures for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Fresh Energy
Rihanna takes on the iconic role of Smurfette while also producing the film and creating original songs for the soundtrack. The project is being produced by Ryan Harris, Jay Brown, Rihanna, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith. James Corden voices a character called “No Name” who struggles with self-image issues, adding depth to the animated ensemble.
The supporting cast includes Nick Offerman and Kurt Russell as Papa Smurf’s brothers, Ken and Ron, who join the Guardians of Good in their quest to protect the Smurf village. This expanded universe approach allows for more complex storytelling while maintaining the charm that made the original characters beloved worldwide.
Key Points Summary
- Natasha Lyonne voices Mama Poot, leader of the Guardians of Good
- The film officially releases in theaters on July 18, 2025
- Rihanna stars as Smurfette and contributes original music
- The movie explores alternate universes and family themes
- An all-star cast includes James Corden, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, and Kurt Russell
- The film had its world premiere in Brussels on June 28, 2025
Box Office Expectations and Critical Reception
Early reviews suggest the reboot brings fresh energy to the franchise while honoring its roots. The film will be accompanied by a SpongeBob SquarePants short film called “Order Up.” Industry analysts are watching closely to see how audiences respond to this new interpretation of the classic characters.
The movie carries a PG rating for action, language, and some rude humor, making it accessible to the family audiences that have supported the Smurfs franchise for decades. With its summer release date and star power, the film is positioned to capture both nostalgic adults and new young fans.
Production Journey and Future Plans
The film was originally scheduled for release on December 20, 2024, but was moved to its current July 18, 2025 release date. This timing places it squarely in the competitive summer movie season, where animated features often find their biggest audiences.
The production team has emphasized creating a “rebirth” rather than simply a reboot, suggesting this could be the beginning of a new era for the Smurfs on screen. With Paramount Pictures backing the project and strong voice talent attached, the groundwork appears set for potential sequels if audiences respond positively.
The inclusion of Natasha Lyonne adds credibility to the voice cast while her character’s role as Mama Poot provides comic relief that appeals to adult viewers. This multi-generational approach reflects the studio’s strategy to create content that entertains entire families rather than targeting only children.
As the Smurfs return to theaters after years away, Natasha Lyonne’s involvement represents the kind of creative talent that could help the franchise find new relevance in today’s entertainment landscape. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering these characters for the first time, the combination of nostalgic charm and fresh storytelling makes this a must-see summer release.
What are your thoughts on Natasha Lyonne joining the Smurfs universe? Share your excitement for this animated adventure in the comments below and stay tuned for more entertainment updates.