New ‘Smurfs’ Movies, Including Musical, In The Works At Nickelodeon And Paramount

The Smurfs are multiplying: the blue critters from Belgium will star in new movies produced at Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation.

Here’s details:

• Nickelodeon and Paramount have partnered with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS, the world license holders for The Smurfs, to produce multiple movies based on the franchise.
• The first project will be a cg-animated musical feature. Set to start production this year, it is slated for release on December 20, 2024.
• The film will be scripted by Pam Brady, who wrote for South Park and co-created the notorious Mr. Wong, a web series that drew accusations of racism from Asian Americans and others.
• Latifa Ouaou, who was recently named evp of movies and global franchises for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, will oversee the partnership with LAFIG and IMPS. She is currently looking for a director and other key creative leads.
• Said Ouaou, “The Smurfs is an iconic and beloved franchise, and we can’t wait introduce it to a whole new generation of fans by bringing a fresh cinematic perspective to the Smurfs franchise with this all-new story on the big screen.”
• The Smurfs made their debut in a comic by Belgian artist Peyo in 1958. They have since appeared in five films. The last three were released by Sony — two hybrid, one fully animated — and together grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide.
• The characters have also starred in three animated series, the most recent of which launched on Nickelodeon in the U.S. in September. The studio is working with LAFIG and IMPS on a second 26-episode season.
• Under the new deal, Nickelodeon has licensed the global rights to The Smurfs. Its sister division ViacomCBS Consumer Products is the consumer products licensing agent for the property across North America and other key territories.