Chris Miller, the Oscar-nominated helmer of 2011’s Puss in Boots, is set to direct Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation’s untitled Smurfs musical movie. The official announcement will be made during the Paramount and Nickelodeon Animation presentation at Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Thursday, June 16.
Earlier this year, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation announced a partnership with Smurf worldwide licensors holders LAFIG Belgium and IMPS to produce multiple movies based on the Smurfs property created by Belgian artist Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo. This untitled musical, from a screenplay by Pam Brady (South Park, Team America: World Police), is the first of those projects. Brady will also step into other creative roles that are yet to be announced. The film is slated for release on Dec. 20, 2024.
A second season of the hit The Smurfs CG-animated TV series was announced along with the movie.
Miller is also director of Shrek The Third, and his voice acting credits includes the penguin Kowalski in the Madagascar franchise.
Latifa Ouaou, Executive Vice President (EVP) of movies and global franchises for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation (who earlier produced Miller’s Puss in Boots), is overseeing development on the Smurfs movie, along with Emily Nordwind, Senior Vice President (SVP) of development and production for Paramount Animation.
“We’re thrilled to have such a talented group of people bringing audiences this latest rendition of the beloved Smurfs universe, including the incredible Chris Miller, director of Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots; and writer Pam Brady of Team America: World Police and South Park,” said Ramsey Naito, President, Animation & Development, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “We can’t wait for fans everywhere to see this Smurftastic film.”
Other upcoming titles under the Paramount Animation umbrella include: Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (July 15), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Animated (Aug. 4, 2023), Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (Oct. 13, 2023), The Tiger’s Apprentice (Dec. 20, 2023), and Untitled Transformers (July 19, 2024). The studio will highlight Paws of Fury this week at Annecy before it opens
The Smurfs began life as a Belgian comic in 1958 and spawned various animated series and films. The property gained prominence in the U.S. thanks to the 1980s Hanna-Barbera Productions cartoon.
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Originally published: June 14, 2022.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Animation Magazine; H/T: Special thanks to @RoyalSmurf2022 for the news!
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