BRUSSELS – Global music sensation Rihanna is set to light up the Belgian capital this weekend as she headlines the world premiere of The Smurfs: The Movie, where she lends her voice to the beloved character Smurfette.
The live-action film, based on the iconic Belgian comic book series created by Peyo, will be unveiled in a star-studded event on Saturday at Brussels’ Mont des Arts.
The city is going all out to honour its legendary blue characters, with a Smurf-coloured carpet replacing the traditional red. Rihanna, who also co-produced the film and contributed to its soundtrack, will be joined by director Chris Miller (Puss in Boots) and actors James Corden and Dan Levy.
To celebrate the occasion, Brussels will transform into a Smurf haven starting Friday evening. Key landmarks, including the Grand Place, will be illuminated in blue.
Mayor Philippe Close is expected to host a ceremony on the town hall balcony alongside Véronique Culliford, daughter of the late Peyo, further cementing the Smurfs’ Belgian heritage.
The festivities will continue into Saturday, beginning at 10:00 with a Smurf-themed reveal at the iconic Manneken Pis statue. The statue will don the costume of ‘Smurf Without a Name,’ one of the characters featured in the film.
At 13:00, the Mont des Arts will open its Smurf Village to families, offering a range of free activities inspired by the whimsical world of the tiny blue characters.
The premiere itself will be the highlight of the day. A long stretch of blue carpet from the Place Royale to the Mont des Arts will welcome the film’s stars and 700 invited guests. Additionally, 300 fans will be granted access to a special fan zone to catch a glimpse of Rihanna and other cast members.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Anny Schmit, Managing Director at Paramount Pictures. “The Smurfs are part of Belgium’s cultural DNA, and this premiere is a chance to show the world where they come from.”
The event draws parallels with another high-profile Hollywood premiere in Brussels more than a decade ago.
In 2011, director Steven Spielberg launched The Adventures of Tintin at the Brussels Midi station, where he posed in front of a Thalys train painted in the colours of the famous comic book reporter. Both premieres underscore Belgium’s influence in the world of comics and animation.
Created in 1958, the Smurfs have grown from humble comic book origins to become a global franchise, with animated series, merchandise, and three previous feature films released in 2011, 2013, and 2017. The latest film promises a fresh take with a blend of live-action and animation, appealing to both new fans and nostalgic adults.
The Smurfs: The Movie will hit cinemas on Wednesday, 16 July. Until then, all eyes will be on Brussels as it turns blue in honour of its most beloved tiny residents.
