Summary:
- Paramount Pictures announced at CinemaCon that Rihanna will star in “The Smurfs Movie,” set for release on February 14, 2025, where she will also serve as a producer and music contributor.
- The studio also revealed updates on other animated projects including “Aang: The Last Airbender,” “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” and sequels for “PAW Patrol” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Rihanna is set to star as Smurfette in the upcoming animated feature “The Smurfs Movie” from Paramount Pictures and Paramount Animation, joining a star-studded cast that includes Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman.
Announced during CinemaCon by Paramount chief Brian Robbins, the film promises to deliver an engaging musical and comedic adventure, seeking to explore the fundamental question: “What is a Smurf?” Directed by Chris Miller with co-director Matt Landon, the movie is slated for release on February 14, 2025.
In addition to her leading role, Rihanna will also serve as a producer alongside Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and contribute original music to the film. The announcement, which took place a year after Rihanna surprised attendees at CinemaCon, marks her deepening involvement in the project, described as a significant evolution in the beloved franchise based on Peyo’s comic characters.
Paramount’s CinemaCon presentation also included updates on other animated projects. The studio revealed a cast for the upcoming “Aang: The Last Airbender” directed by Lauren Montgomery, featuring Dave Bautista, Eric Nam, Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, and Román Zaragoza. The film, scheduled for October 10, 2025, is part of a trio of animated films based on the popular series.
Further announcements included the release of “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants” on December 19, 2025, with the original voice cast returning, and the third installment of the PAW Patrol series set for July 31, 2026, directed by Cal Brunker. Additionally, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2” is confirmed for October 9, 2026, with Jeff Rowe directing and a team including producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
Each of these titles represents Paramount’s ongoing commitment to expanding its portfolio of animated cinematic experiences, promising exciting new adventures for fans of all ages.
