Rihanna is taking blue to the next level.

The Grammy-winning global superstar stars as the voice of Smurfette in the highly anticipated Smurfs, hitting Philippine cinemas on July 16. A longtime fan of the lovable blue crew, Rihanna steps into the animated world not just as a voice actor, but also as a producer and musical contributor.

“So many mornings, I woke up long before I was supposed to get ready for school just to get that dose of Smurfs,” remembers Rihanna, who also serves as producer and musical contributor for this year’s Smurfs movie. “I related so much to Smurfette and what she stood for. First of all, I have always loved makeup and hair. We all know that. And she’s an esthetician. She’s also a powerful leader, independent, strong, beautiful, sassy, witty and very empathetic. I was super-inspired by all of that. I think she loves music too and her favorite genres are hip-hop, reggae, Afrobeats, ballads and house. That’s Smurfette. She needs options.”

From Barbados to Blueville: Rihanna’s Childhood Fave Returns to the Big Screen

Growing up in Barbados, Rihanna didn’t have a wide variety of TV shows to enjoy, but The Smurfs was a childhood staple. “So many mornings, I’d wake up early just to catch them,” she recalls. Now, decades later, she gets to embody the very Smurf who inspired her growing up.

In this reimagined adventure, Smurfette leads the Smurfs into the real world on a bold rescue mission. When Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel, it’s up to Smurfette and her pint-sized pals to discover their true destiny and save the universe.

Watch The Trailer Here:

A Smurftacular Voice Cast & Vision

The film boasts an epic all-star lineup: Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Director Chris Miller—also a childhood fan—aims to take audiences on a fresh, thrilling ride. “Using Peyo’s comics as our foundation, we’ve reinvigorated the franchise,” Miller says. “Expect an immersive, tactile world that celebrates the original magic while pushing it into a whole new era.”

Honoring Legacy, Celebrating the Future

A key highlight for Rihanna during production? Meeting the family of Peyo, the legendary Belgian artist who created the Smurfs. “They’re so invested,” she says. “They were a vital part of the entire process. We just want to make everyone proud—and introduce a whole new generation to this iconic universe.”

With catchy songs, breathtaking animation, and the tiniest heroes in the biggest adventure, Smurfs promises fun for the whole family.

Sing your happy song and catch Smurfs in cinemas nationwide starting July 16, distributed by Paramount Pictures. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

Join the conversation with #SmurfsMovie and get ready to go blue!

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}