Smurfs! (2025 Film)

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we are taking a look into the new “Smurfs” film that came out last Friday with an amazing animator who worked on the film, primarily for the character “Smurfette”; Gabby Zapata!

The new animated musical “Smurfs”, directed by Chris Miller (“Shrek the Third” and “Puss in Boots”) and written by Pam Brady, premiered July 18, 2025, as a vibrant reboot of the beloved blue characters. The idea first sparked in early 2022, when Paramount Animation teamed up with Peyo’s estate and Nickelodeon to give the Smurfs a fresh start; this time, as a full-scale musical. With its mix of modern humor, dazzling animation, and pop-infused music, the film aimed to reintroduce the Smurfs to a new generation while honoring their whimsical roots.

Front and center is global superstar Rihanna, who voices Smurfette, contributes original songs, and also serves as a producer. She’s joined by a high-energy cast including John Goodman as Papa Smurf, James Corden, Sandra Oh, Amy Sedaris, Octavia Spencer, Daniel Levy, and Natasha Lyonne. The soundtrack itself is a lively mix of global sounds and pop, with original tracks that reflect the film’s colorful tone. The project brought together music and animation in a way that feels more like a cinematic event than just another kids’ movie.

In creating the film, animators at Cinesite leaned into the charm of the original designs by Belgian creator Peyo, while also experimenting with bold visual styles; mixing classic animation with claymation, anime-inspired sequences, and even bits of mixed media. The film begins in the familiar Smurf Village, but quickly launches into a worldwide adventure, with visual nods to cities like Paris and Sydney. The attention to style and detail makes the film a visual feast, even when the plot leans into goofy territory.

The Smurfs franchise dates back to the late 1950s, and many still remember the hit Hanna-Barbera cartoon that aired in the ‘80s. While past film adaptations have seen mixed reviews, this latest reboot takes a different route, banking on musical appeal, incredible visuals, fun story, and celebrity power. Though reviews have been mixed, audiences so far have responded with enthusiasm, especially younger viewers. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia or the new soundscape, the 2025 Smurfs is a lively new chapter for these little blue icons.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: How did it feel to work on an IP that you used to watch and love as a kid?

Gabby Zapata: It brought me back to my childhood. I used to watch the Smurfs every Saturday morning with my Mom and it was so fun revisiting the stories and going through all the various Peyo comics and episodes for reference. It made me feel like a kid again! Truly a dream to work on such a beloved show.

Giancarlo: What was your favorite aspect about working on Smurfette?

Gabby Zapata: I felt like I had to do justice to such a classic design and make sure we kept her true original essence so that beloved fans could instantly recognize her. It felt like such a big responsibility to make sure she still felt the same but at the same time give her a slight fresh take on her for today's audiences. I think we did a pretty good job as a team in keeping her legacy look!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Gabby Zapata: If it's related to my job during “Smurfs”, it's that you should make sure to save in various layers because more often than not, there are many changes that need to be quick during review and you have to be ready to present to the directors. When I first started my career, I was painting mostly on single layers and I quickly found out how often changes are made and I was taught to work in adjustment layers and separate layers so you're more efficient.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo