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

“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,

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.