Nickelodeon Animation, Paramount Pictures Partner with LAFIG Belgium, IMPS for ‘Smurfs’ Films

First project under the partnership expansion is an original animated theatrical musical to begin production this year.

February 7, 2022

The "Smurfs" characters including Papa Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Smurfette, Hefty Smurf, Baby Smurf and Vexy

IMPS

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 first project under the new partnership banner is an animated musical film set to begin production this year and slated to be released in 2024.

“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,” says Ramsey Naito, president, animation for Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “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.”

“It is with great joy and pride that I welcome this new Smurfs film,” says Véronique Culliford, founder and president, LAFIG and IMPS. “I am truly excited with 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 around the world to immerse themselves in this unique universe of humor and extraordinary adventures. I have no doubt that my father, creator of these marvelous world-famous characters, would also be delighted with this continuation of his work. I look so forward to seeing audiences gather together in the near future 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. Additional details will be available soon.

Nickelodeon, LAFIG Belgium and IMPS have also announced a second season (26 episodes) pickup of the original CG-animated television series, “The Smurfs.” The new season will continue to follow the Smurfs on a variety of adventures, including time traveling, inventing a magic camera, accidental body swapping and more.

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, U.K., 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 this year.