Nickelodeon, Paramount, LAFIG, and IMPS to produce multiple "The Smurfs" films

Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Pictures have formed a creative partnership with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS to produce multiple feature films based on "The Smurfs," the iconic characters and stories created by Belgian artist Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo. The first project under the new partnership banner is an animated musical film set to begin production this year, and Pam Brady ("South Park") has come on board to write it. The movie is slated to be released on December 20, 2024.

Ramsey Naito, President of Animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, “Nickelodeon is the home to some of the world’s most popular family franchises, and we’re honored to add 'The Smurfs' to that roster. We’re excited to tell a story that stays true to its origins, but with a Smurf-tastic musical twist that excites new audiences and builds on the Smurfs franchise and universe of wonderful characters and stories.”

Says Véronique Culliford, Founder & President of LAFIG and IMPS, “It is with great joy and pride that I welcome this new Smurfs film! I am truly excited about this wonderful partnership with the talented, creative, and dynamic teams at Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Animation, and IMPS. I am convinced that this great collaboration will allow families worldwide to immerse themselves in this unique universe of humor and extraordinary adventures. I do not doubt that my father, creator of these marvelous world-famous characters, would also be delighted with this continuation of his work. Likewise, I look so forward to seeing audiences gather together soon to enjoy this new adventure of our beloved Smurfs!”

Latifa Ouaou, Executive Vice President, Movies and Global Franchises, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, will manage the LAFIG Belgium and IMPS partnership on behalf of the Studio and is in the process of identifying key creative leads including the director for the first film. “'The Smurfs' is an iconic and beloved franchise. We can’t wait to 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 TV SERIES CONTINUES
Nickelodeon, LAFIG Belgium, and IMPS have also announced a second season (26 episodes) pick up of the original CG-animated television series "The Smurfs." The all-new season will continue to follow the Smurfs on various adventures, including time traveling, inventing the magic camera, accidental body-swapping, and more.

This news builds on the previously announced Nickelodeon, LAFIG Belgium, and IMPS partnership to bring a brand-new original CG-animated series based on "The Smurfs" to a new generation of kids and families worldwide. Under the deal, Nickelodeon licensed the global rights to "The Smurfs," which follows Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy, and others, on all-new adventures, packed with humor, heart, and high-stakes action. The series launched Sept. 2021 in the U.S. and has since ranked among the top five animated series on cable with Kids 2-11. After its U.S. debut, it aired on Nickelodeon channels internationally. In Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the series will air on the public channels KiKA, Ketnet, RTBF, and Zappelin, and in France on TF1.

In addition to the content partnership, ViacomCBS Consumer Products (VCP) is the consumer products licensing agent for The Smurfs property across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and certain South American territories. VCP will seek new merchandising and promotional partners in select categories and territories for The Smurfs classic brand, in addition to a new product line for the new animated series The Smurfs, spanning a variety of categories, launching at retail in 2022.