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Yesterday, the Netflix streaming service released the time travel slasher Time Cut, which was produced by Christopher Landon and co-written by Michael Kennedy, a duo that had previously worked together on the body swap slasher Freaky. Now, Sony Pictures has unveiled a red band teaser trailer for the Valentine’s Day-set horror romantic comedy Heart Eyes, which Landon and Kennedy wrote with Phillip Murphy (The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard) – and you can check it out in the embed above! Heart Eyes is set to reach theatres on February 7, 2025.

February 14th is a Friday in 2025, so that would seem to be the perfect choice for this movie’s release date, but it was already taken by Disney/Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Paramount’s Smurfs animated movie, so Sony had to move it to the week before Valentine’s Day. Its competition on that date is...

Welcome to the colorful world of the Smurfs! For generations, these little blue people have enchanted fans with their charming adventures. While their popularity started in comic books, the Smurfs truly exploded into the mainstream through the classic cartoon produced in the 1980s. Now the village in the forest is brought to life like never before in the 3D platformer The Smurfs: Dreams.

In this game, players can experience what it’s like to live as a smurf. You’ll embark on an exciting journey through dream-like levels, exploring lush forests, candy-coated kingdoms, and more.

While guiding a single Smurf, the goal is to help wake the sleeping residents of the village from dangerous dreams. You’ll have to navigate each stage, solving puzzles and facing enemies along the way. Behind it all, the evil wizard Gargamel is lurking, as always eager to cause mischief.

With charming graphics and simple gameplay accessible for all,...

Update: The new Ke Huy Quan action movie from Universal and 87North is now titled Love Hurts. The release date for Feb. 7, 2025 remains unchanged.

Previous March 14: With Love, the new action movie from Universal and 87North starring Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan, will be released in theaters on Feb. 7, 2025.

87North has been behind such Uni action movies as Nobody, Violent Night, Atomic Blonde and this summer’s The Fall Guy which won over SXSW audiences in its world premiere on Tuesday night as well as scoring 92% on Rotten Tomatoes with critics.

With Love is produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, and it’s written by Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore, and Matthew Murray. Guy Danella (Violent Night) is also producing for 87North. The pic reps the feature directorial debut of veteran stunt coordinator and fight coordinator Jonathan Eusebio,...

Paramount Pictures has slightly pushed back its awards prospect September 5 from November 27 to a November 29 limited release followed by expansion on December 13.

Tim Fehlbaum’s timely feature stars Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro in a behind-the-scenes account of ABC Sports’ live coverage of the deadly terror attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics when the Palestinian Black September group took Israeli athletes hostage.

September 5 premiered in Venice and screened at Telluride and will play AFI Fest running October 23-27. Paramount holds worldwide rights excluding Germany, Switzerland and Austria, where Constantin will release the film.

The studio announced a raft of 2025 releases for several of its tentpoles:

Vicious,...

Paramount made a series of slate changes on Friday, including setting the release of Edgar Wright’s adaptation of “The Running Man” starring Glen Powell for Nov. 21, 2025.

As TheWrap first reported, Powell will take the role filled by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 film based on Stephen King’s novel set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, where a framed police helicopter pilot is forced into a violent game show where convicts are hunted down by assassins with the promise of a pardon if they survive.

Paramount is also moving their animated musical adaptation of “The Smurfs” from a February release right into the heart of next summer on July 18, 2025. Directed by Chris Miller, the untitled new take on the classic cartoon features an ensemble cast led by Rihanna, who is also writing new music for the film.

“Smurfs” will be released in the weekend between Warner Bros./DC Studios’ “Superman...

After stealing the hearts of rom-com fans, tornado enthusiasts and hitmen this year, Glen Powell finally has his next major role dated for 2025.

He’ll star in director Edgar Wright’s remake of “The Running Man,” which is being released by Paramount on Nov. 21, 2025, the company announced Friday. Powell is taking on the role originated by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 action film, based on the novel by Stephen King. The film takes place in a dystopian future where a TV show follows criminal “runners” escape professional killers.

Paramount shuffled the dates for several other 2025 films. The “Naked Gun” reboot, starring Liam Neeson, has moved from July 18 to August 1. The cast includes Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, Cch Pounder and Busta Rhymes. Neeson stars as the son of Leslie Nielsen’s character in his classic, slapstick comedy franchise. It’s directed by Akiva Schaffer...

Paramount Pictures has announced a number of release dates for forthcoming titles, with its Glen Powell-led The Running Man remake among the projects hustling toward theaters next year.

Edgar Wright helms The Running Man, which is set for release on Nov. 21, 2025. Wright, Simon Kinberg and Nira Park produce the new version of the 1987 sci-fi flick that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The studio’s untitled Naked Gun reboot feature will now hit theaters Aug. 1, 2025, after having previously been scheduled for July 18, 2025. Akiva Schaffer helms the comedy from producers Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins. Liam Neeson stars as Detective Frank Drebin, the character originally played by Leslie Nielsen in the film franchise that launched with the first movie in 1988. Pamela Anderson and Paul Walter Hauser co-star in the new movie.

Going up against Naked Gun on Aug. 1, 2025, are Sony’s Phoebe Dynevor shark thriller Beneath the Storm and the animated sequel The Bad Guys 2...

On Wednesday September 25 2024, Nickelodeon broadcasts The Smurfs!

Dream Team Season 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Smurfs,” titled “Dream Team,” promises to bring excitement and fun to viewers. This episode will air on Nickelodeon and is sure to capture the attention of fans. Handy, the clever Smurf known for his inventions, has a big problem on his hands. He needs to get his jetpack back from the villain Gargamel, who has taken it.

Handy has a plan to gather a team of experts to help him retrieve the jetpack. He thinks carefully about who would be the best Smurfs for the job. However, things do not go as smoothly as Handy hopes. The Smurfs he wants to recruit are unavailable, leaving him to rethink his strategy. This situation leads to some funny and unexpected moments as Handy tries to figure out who can help him.

As the episode unfolds,...

As many may know, actor Kurt Russell began his professional screen career in 1963 when he was only 12 years old. He appeared in the Elvis Presley vehicle "It Happened at the World's Fair," wherein Russell's character was approached by the King and given a quarter to kick him in the shin. Elvis, you see, needed an excuse to visit a local nurse, and required a minor injury. The Russell character was only too happy to oblige. 

Since then, Russell has enjoyed a prolonged and prolific acting career that has lasted to this day. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the young Russell was a golden child for Disney, appearing in a dozen movies for the company and becoming Disney's most profitable star. Now 73, Russell is currently appearing in the TV series "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," and will soon play a notable role in an upcoming Smurfs feature film. 

Russell has said multiple times,...

February 14th is a Friday in 2025, so that would seem to be the perfect choice of release date for a horror romantic comedy that’s set on Valentine’s Day, which is what the movie Heart Eyes is. But the February 14th release date has already been taken by Disney/Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and Paramount’s Smurfs animated movie… so Sony Pictures has chosen to release Heart Eyes on February 7th. Its competition on that date is the Universal action movie With Love, starring Ke Huy Quan.

Coming our way from Josh Ruben, the director of Werewolves Within and Scare Me, Heart Eyes was scripted by Happy Death Day director Christopher Landon, Landon’s Freaky collaborator Michael Kennedy (who also wrote It’s a Wonderful Knife), and Phillip Murphy (The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard). The film has the following synopsis: When the Heart Eyes Killer strikes Seattle, a...

Sony will be releasing Spyglass’ horror romantic comedy Heart Eyes on February 7, 2025, the studio said Wednesday.

The Josh Ruben-directed movie stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding and Gigi Zumbado with Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster. Pic’s blurb: When the Heart Eyes Killer strikes Seattle, a pair of co-workers pulling overtime on Valentine’s Day are mistaken for a couple by the elusive couple-hunting killer. Now they must spend the most romantic night of the year running for their lives.

Script is by Phillip Murphy, Christopher Landon & Michael Kennedy. Landon and Divide/Conquer’s Greg Gilreath and Adam Hendricks are producing. Spyglass’ Gary Barber and Chris Stone serve as executive producers alongside Mel Turner, Murphy and Kennedy.

The only other wide entry scheduled on February 7 so far is Universal’s Ke Huy Quan action movie With Love. Both titles are opening a week ahead of Disney/Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World...

On Monday September 16 2024, Nickelodeon broadcasts The Smurfs!

What a Doll Season 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Smurfs,” titled “What a Doll,” promises to bring some exciting twists to the beloved animated series. In this episode, the clever and mischievous Rowena takes center stage with a plan that will change things for Vanity and Storm in unexpected ways.

Rowena, known for her magical abilities, uses her powers to transform Vanity and Storm into dolls. This unusual twist sets the stage for a series of adventures and challenges. Vanity, with his flair for style and charm, might find himself struggling with his new doll form. Meanwhile, Storm, who is usually full of energy, will have to navigate the world from a different perspective.

As the story unfolds, the other Smurfs will likely come together to help their friends. They may devise a plan to reverse Rowena’s spell and bring...

On Monday September 2 2024, Nickelodeon broadcasts The Smurfs!

The Great Smurf Games Season 3 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode titled “The Great Smurf Games” of “The Smurfs” is set to air on Nickelodeon, promising a fun-filled adventure in the Smurf village. In this episode, Clumsy Smurf is eager to participate in the Great Smurf Games. Known for his clumsiness, Clumsy is determined to prove himself and compete for the grand prize—a magical sphere that grants a wish to the winner. This rare opportunity excites him, as it could change his life and the lives of his friends.

As Clumsy prepares for the games, viewers will see his determination and the challenges he faces along the way. Despite his clumsy nature, he strives to overcome obstacles and show that he can be a strong competitor. His journey is filled with humorous moments as he navigates various events, each showcasing his unique personality.

The Smurfs are back with an exciting new episode in Season 3, titled “Family Time.” This episode promises to bring laughter and adventure as Dwayne and Rowena find themselves in a tricky situation. When the mischievous Gargamel confiscates their beloved toys, the siblings are determined to take action.

In a bold move, Dwayne and Rowena decide to free the Smurfs that their uncle had captured. This daring rescue mission leads to plenty of fun and chaos, as the Smurfs join forces with the kids to outsmart Gargamel. Viewers can expect thrilling moments and clever teamwork as everyone works together to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.

“Family Time” airs on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2:00 Pm on Nickelodeon. This episode highlights the importance of family and friendship, making it a must-watch for fans of all ages. With colorful animation and charming characters, this episode is sure to entertain and leave everyone smiling.

Release...

Renowned French animation studio Millimages has adapted its hugely popular “Molang” series of episodes and shorts into a 55-minute theatrical feature, which leading European distributor Kinepolis will screen in 40+ cinemas across France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg starting on September 1.

“Molang at the Movies” is an hour-long recut of individual “Molang” shorts aimed at preschoolers and their families. The series features an adorable animated character with a big heart and a big sense of responsibility for its surroundings. Created by Korean illustrator Hye Ji Yoon as a simple doodle in 2010, the Molang character has inspired an animated empire of six TV series broadcast in more than 190 countries, 30 billion views on Giphy, more than 8 million social media followers, a viral YouTube channel and 18 international licensing agreements.

While “Molang’s” TV and internet credentials are unquestionable, transitioning to a theatrical product poses practical challenges that would be multiplied with a wider release.

Britney Spears‘ worst songs are sometimes inexplicable. For example, she once contributed a track to a Smurfs movie that makes no sense. Her attempt to work with fellow pop star Rihanna was also regrettable.

5. ‘S&m’

In 2011, Spears’ music was hotter than it’d been in a long time, thanks to her album Femme Fatale, which includes her hits “Hold It Against Me,” “Till the World Ends,” “I Wanna Go,” and “Criminal.” Meanwhile, Rihanna was having a career-high point as well, thanks to the popularity of her dance record Loud.

A collaboration between these two titans of pop seemed like a surefire hit and it was. Spears appeared on a remix of “S&m” that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a single week. Sadly, Spears’ vocal performance is indescribably awful.

4. ‘Ooh La La’

The chorus of “Ooh La La” is “Ooh my, my baby don’t be shy / I see...

While the seemingly never-ending saga over Paramount’s future ownership may be still rumbling on, the studio didn’t hold back when it came to putting on a grand spectacle at the 2024 CineEurope trade show.

“Gladiator 2” was — unsurprisingly — the main event of Paramount’s slate presentation in Barcelona. Ridley Scott’s return to Ancient Rome after almost 25 years was given top billing with a giant cardboard coliseum erected around the main auditorium, flanked by stern-faced Roman legionnaires. Audiences at CinemaCon in the U.S. may have gotten the first look at the hotly-anticipated sequel — starring a bulked-out Paul Mescal in the lead role — but across the Atlantic, CineEurope attendees were treated to some epic and never-before-seen extended footage featuring Mescal and co-star Pedro Pascal, alongside an as-yet-unreleased trailer. Denzel Washington, Connie Nielson and Joseph Quinn also star in the film, due out Nov. 15 internationally and Nov. 22 in the U.

Paramount went all in on Gladiator II at CineEurope today, showing off an exclusive extended look at Ridley Scott’s sequel to his 2000 Best Picture Oscar winner. Introducing the footage in a video clip, Scott promised that Gladiator II, coming nearly two-and-a-half decades after the original, is “well worth the wait”; the audience today agreed. That pre-roll clip also included stars Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen and Joseph Quinn. Paramount releases globally in November.

At the top of the show, President of International Theatrical Distribution Mark Viane once again had the CineEurope crowd in stitches with his annual entrance tied to a major Par title; this time appearing in gladiator garb in a cheeky pre-recorded video as Markimus Vianus and wearing a vest with the Paramount logo, celebrating the film and the theatrical experience as he urged members of Par’s international distribution team, “On my signal,...

When taking on established animated franchises, you can’t just “listen to nostalgia,” according to Jeff Rowe, director of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.”

“That’s when things get stale,” he said during Variety’s “Innovation and Inspiration in Global Animation” panel at Annecy Animation Festival, moderated by international editor Elsa Keslassy. Rowe was joined by “Transformers One” director Josh Cooley, “The Smurfs Movie” helmer Chris Miller and María Trénor, the director of “Rock Bottom.”

“It’s important to look at things with fresh eyes and ask, ‘Does this make sense? Does a man who was a sensei turning into a rat make sense?'” Rowe continued. “Our goal was to make a film that those who have never heard of ‘Ninja Turtles’ – or hated it and hated that the movie was even happening – were still able to enjoy.”

Therefore, the team hired many people who had “no familiarity with the franchise.

The Smurfs global license holder Imps has announced it is rebranding as Peyo Company after the pen name of Belgian comic book artist Peyo, who created the iconic little blue creatures in the late 1950s.

The company also revealed it is embarking on a new strategy to expand The Smurfs franchise and revive other original creations from Peyo’s ‘Johan & Peewit’ and ‘Benny Breakiron’ comic books.

Set against the backdrop of Medieval Europe, the Johan & Peewit comic strip series was first published in 1946, and eventually generated 13 separate albums.

Peyo first introduced the Smurfs in a Johan & Peewit story called The Smurfs & the Magic Flute in 1958. Readers loved the characters so much that Peyo decided to create a spin-off dedicated to their adventures.

Benny Breakiron (Benoît Brisefer) was launched in 1960, about revolves around an outwardly normal little boy with secret superhuman strength.

Johan & Peewit

Imps announced its name change and...

Say hello to Peyo Company.

Tonight at the Annecy Animation Festival, Imps — “The Smurfs'” global license holder — revealed it will operate under a new name going forward and begin to revive other original creations from the little blue characters’ famed founder Peyo, aka Pierre Culliford.

Characters created by Peyo will be brought to life in new TV shows inspired by the original “Johan & Peewit” and “Benny Breakiron” comic books.

“Tales of Johan & Peewit”

Described as an “entertainment entity that proudly promotes and perpetuates Peyo’s work and legacy of creating fascinating stories and art,” Peyo Company will oversee “a wide range of consumer products and experience for kids and adults alike.”

Peyo Licensing is the worldwide licensor for consumer products, family entertainment and experiences, as well as book publishing. Peyo Distribution manages the distribution of the audiovisual catalogue, Peyo Productions oversees the production of audiovisual content and Peyo Creations regroups the studio activities,...

As the Annecy Animation Festival gets underway, Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation president Ramsey Naito has revealed development on a string of original films — including the Bad Bunny- and Will Ferrell-produced film “Dropz” and a “Swan Lake” adaptation — which will sit alongside franchises such as Transformers, Smurfs and SpongeBob.

Naito describes “Dropz” as “our E.T. about real kids in a super extraordinary situation.” Producers Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum and David Koplan have teamed up with Bad Bunny, who is on board as an exec producer. Rob Letterman is directing and co-writing the script with Ike Holter. Naito adds that the story is “infused with fashion” and will be a “cultural statement” for kids and families.

“Muttnik” is a sci-fi comedy about a sweet puppy turned “Han Solo-type space bandit,” who is forced to return to the family on Earth that abandoned him. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Zareh Nalbandian are producing.

Exclusive: NBCUniversal (NBCU) Global TV Distribution has struck a content deal with Asian streamer Begin.

According to Begin, this is the first time that NBCU content will be legally watchable in Pakistan, as the U.S. major’s movies and shows have historically been pirated via Pakistani telecoms and internet service providers.

The nascent streamer, which is headquartered in the UAE, backed by Z2C Limited and available in Pakistan, has picked up movies including Oppenheimer, The Holdovers and Kung Fu Panda 4 as part of the multi-year deal. NBCU TV series in the deal include Ted, Based on a True Story and Peacock’s Tattooist of Auschwitz adaptation.

“We know our audiences crave fresh and exciting content, and with exclusive access to NBCUniversal’s biggest hits and new releases, we can’t wait to satisfy their appetite with the best in entertainment,” said Jonathan Mark, Begin’s CEO and Co-Founder.

Marvel Studios has made yet another impressive addition to The Fantastic Four's cast, with Orange is the New Black and Russian Doll star Natasha Lyonne set to play a mystery character according to Deadline.

Yes, like Paul Walter-Hauser and John Malkovich before her, there's no word on who the actress will play in the MCU. Regardless, this is a huge get for Marvel Studios and, while there's no official word on Lyonne's role, we'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments section.

Lyonne landed an Emmy nomination for starring in Rian Johnson's Power Face and she's attacked to produce, write, and direct episodes of the upcoming second season.

Other credits include Taika Waititi's next movie, Klara and the Sun, as well as His Three Daughters alongside Elizabeth Olsen and the next Smurfs movie. Lyonne is also no stranger to superhero movies after previously playing Sommerfield, a member of the Nightstalkers,...

Exclusive: Marvel Studios keeps adding to its all-star cast for its upcoming The Fantastic Four movie as sources tell Deadline Emmy nominee Natasha Lyonne is set to join highly-anticipated Marvel pic. She joins a cast that already includes Pedro Pascal will play Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn is Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). Julia Garner is also on board to play Silver Surfer while Paul Walter-Hauser, John Malkovich and Ralph Ineson are also on board.

WandaVision helmer Matt Shakman is directing Fantastic Four off a script by Ric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. Production will begin this summer, and the film is set to bow on July 25, 2025.

Marvel Studios had no comment. Plot details are being kept under wraps as are character details.

Lyonne has been...

“The Smurfs – Dreams” is a new 3D video game, developed by Ocellus Services, available in 2024 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC:

“…’Gargamel’ has cast the ‘Smurf’s’ into a deep sleep, and in order to get out, they must navigate a nightmarish dreamscape to save the day and restore peace in ‘Smurf Village’, featuring four different worlds with 12 levels…”

Created by Peyo for his 1958 comic strip, the ‘Smurfs’ are noted for a 1981 Hanna-Barbera cartoon series and feature films, starring Katy Perry.

Click the images to enlarge…...

Rihanna is stepping for the launch of the Fenty x Puma Creeper Phatty Earth Tone at Tobacco Dock on Wednesday (April 17) in London.

The 36-year-old entertainer turned fashion and beauty mogul wore an oversized look for the launch of her new sneaker, complete with a bold red lip and her hair styled with bangs!

RiRi‘s new Fenty x Puma sneaker will officially be released on Thursday (April 18). It is a new version of the original Creeper shoe, and features “luxe, nubuck materials and touches of gold.”

Fans will be able to purchase the Creeper Phatty Earth Tone shoes in the color Totally Taupe at Puma.com on Thursday (April 18) at midnight Et. The sneaker will also come in two more colors – Green Fog and Warm White – which will drop a week later.

In case you missed it, Rihanna‘s co-stars for her upcoming Smurfs movie have been revealed. Find out who’s joining her here!

Dave Bautista and Eric Nam are set to headline the voice cast for the upcoming “Avatar: The Last Airbender” movie in development at Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Studios. The film’s working title is “Aang: The Last Airbender.” The news was announced during Paramount’s slate presentation at CinemaCon.

Joining Bautista and Nam in the voice cast are Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten and Roman Zaragoza. Plot details for the film remain under wraps. Bautista will voice a villain character. The new “Avatar” animated film is set for release on Oct. 10, 2025 from Paramount.

The studios announced in June 2022 that three standalone “Avatar” animated films were in development. The 2025 film was the first to get a release date. Lauren Montgomery, who worked on the original “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series, is directing the project, with original series creators Michael Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko executive producing alongside Eric Coleman. William Mata is co-directing.

Rihanna now has a host of blue pals to join her journey as Smurfette in the animated The Smurfs Movie for Paramount Pictures and Paramount Animation.

During the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon on Thursday, Paramount chief Brian Robbins announced that an all-star cast has been set for the film including Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman. Or, as Robbins put it, “Pretty much the rest of the Screen Actors Guild.” He also praised Rihanna as “the most legendary Smurfette ever.”

The news comes one year after Rihanna turned up to surprise CinemaCon attendees on the Colosseum stage inside Caesars Palace to announce that she had signed on to tackle the project as a triple threat by providing the voice of Smurfette, producing alongside Ryan Harris,...

Paramount’s new animated Smurfs movie announced its voice cast at CinemaCon on Thursday.

Joining Rihanna are Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Jp Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd and Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Chris Miller directs a the new movie based on the Peyo characters. Matt Landon is co-director.

Ryan Harris, Rihanna, Laurence “Jay” Brown and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith are producers. Rihanna is penning original songs.

The movie hits theaters on February 14, 2025.

Exclusive: Veteran animation producer Rick Mischel has formed a studio in Canada after acquiring Yeti Farm Creative Animation Studio.

Artists Animation Studio will be headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Mischel, a Sony and Technicolor producer and exec, will be CEO of the venture and its founder. He completed the deal through his Reach Media vehicle. Financial details were not revealed.

The studio will be located the former Yeti Farm facility and will offer full-scale animation services and access to British Columbia’s Canadian tax credit incentives. It will primarily focus on 2D Harmony and hand-drawn animation for children’s and adult animation series, films, adverts and digital content.

Yeti Farm Creative Animation Studio’s co-founder Todd Ramsay (Hotel Transylvania: The Series, Angry Birds) will join Artists Animation Studio as Head of Animation, while another Yeti Farm co-founder, Ashley Ramsay, is departing “to pursue new opportunities.”

Dan Christman (Agent Elvis, Invincible) has joined as supervising producer,...

Get ready for double the Smurf-tastic fun as “The Smurfs” return with Season 2, kicking off with the exciting Episode 1, “Say Smurf for the Camera!; Manners Matter.” Catch it on Nickelodeon at 2:00 Pm on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, for a delightful adventure in the Smurf Village.

In the first part of the episode, Handy takes center stage as he invents a camera, sparking creativity in Painter to capture portraits of all the Smurf inhabitants. Expect a blend of innovation and artistic charm as the Smurfs come to life in vivid images.

The second part, “Manners Matter,” adds a touch of humor and life lessons to the mix. Papa Smurf finds himself a bit nervous about the impending visit of a new nature fairy. To ensure the Smurfs make a good impression, Papa Smurf enlists the help of Willow to teach the importance of manners.

Join the lovable blue creatures on Nickelodeon for an afternoon filled with laughter,...

On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 2:00 Pm, Nickelodeon will air an exciting episode of “The Smurfs.” In this episode titled “Mommy’s Masterpiece; A Thief Among Us!” the little blue creatures embark on two intriguing adventures.

First, when the other Smurfs decide not to pose for Painter’s masterpiece, he stumbles upon a new subject: Gargamel’s mother. This leads to a comical and creative storyline as Painter tries to capture her likeness on canvas.

In the second part of the episode, the Smurfs face a puzzling mystery. Their favorite possessions start vanishing from the village, causing worry and suspicion to spread among them. This captivating plotline is sure to keep viewers engaged as they join the Smurfs in solving the mystery of the disappearing items.

“The Smurfs” offers wholesome and entertaining tales that are perfect for young audiences. Make sure to tune in to Nickelodeon at 2:00 Pm to enjoy...

More Paw Patrol will be barking its way to theaters.

Spin Master Entertainment, Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures are moving forward with a third film in the franchise, which is slated to arrive in theaters in 2026. The news comes as the latest film, Paw Patrol: A Mighty Movie, arrives in theaters Friday.

Cal Brunker, who directed A Mighty Movie and the 2021 feature Paw Patrol: The Movie, returns to direct. Paramount will distribute the third Paw Patrol, with Elevation Pictures handling distribution in Canada.

Now in its 10th year, Paw Patrol began life as a TV show, and centers on a tech-savy boy and his heroic group of pups. The 2021 feature adaptation overperformed at the box office and became a sleeper hit that grossed $40 million domestically and more than $144 million worldwide, a notable sum considering it debuted simultaneously on Paramount+ and came amid pandemic pressures at the box office. The follow-up...

During its CinemaCon presentation this past spring, Paramount Pictures made animation the center of its showcase, showing off a slate of seven franchise films over the next two years that kicks off today with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.”

Leading this colorful charge is Ramsey Naito, a veteran animation exec with past stints at Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Blue Sky and who, under Paramount CEO Brian Robbins, was appointed to be the president of both Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation.

“Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” sees Paramount join in what has become a very competitive market for theatrical animation. Disney and Pixar, once the undisputed box office kings, have hit a rough skid in the past couple of years while Universal and Sony have yielded hits like DreamWorks’ “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” Illumination’s “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and Sony Animation’s “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Hollywood stars are reacting to the the news of Paul Reubens’ death. The late actor known for playing Pee-wee Herman on stage, television and film died Monday at age 70. His death was announced on his official Facebook page revealing that the actor had cancer for years, a diagnosis he had not shared publicly.

“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” a statement read. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”

A statement from Reubens was also shared with the announcement, in which the late actor said,...

It seemed like the end of the road for the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

The popular kids franchise had inspired a half-dozen movies of declining quality, with the live-action 2016 adventure “Out of the Shadows” suffering from the kind of withering reviews and bad box office returns that derail a film series.

But Paramount and Nickelodeon CEO Brian Robbins and Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation president Ramsey Naito had an offbeat idea for how they could make the Turtles cool again.

That involved tapping Seth Rogen and his producing partner Evan Goldberg, the duo behind “Superbad” and “This is the End,” to give the characters an adolescent flair. It didn’t matter that the pair’s main experience with animation, the very R-rated “Sausage Party,” was made for moviegoers of voting age and not for the pre-teens who are the biggest fans of Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael.

“It was all...

As the Nickelodeon Animation Studio celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s clearly blossomed from being a small but formidable toon house to a world-class studio with dozens of productions in process and executive Ramsey Naito at the helm. And Naito’s plans include growing relationships with creators who can speak to Nick’s audience.

In the last five to six years, the studio has expanded to include Nick Animation West (Burbank), Nick Animation East (New York) and offices in Hollywood on the Paramount lot. When Naito was named president of Nickelodeon Animation in 2020 (she has since become president of Paramount Animation as well), there were nine shows in production at the studio. Today there are nearly 70 at a place known for its irreverent, fun and boundary-breaking animation.

Naito, who went to CalArts and comes from a family of artists and haiku poets, knew the studio had to expand when she arrived.

Image Source: Getty / Alberto E. Rodriguez / CinemaCon

Rihanna is lending her voice to a new project, but it's not the ninth album fans have been hoping for since 2016. On April 27, the "Lift Me Up" singer made a surprise appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where she announced that she will be playing Smurfette in the upcoming Smurfs musical movie.

In addition to voicing the animated character, Rihanna joins the project - directed by Chris Miller and Matt Landon - as a writer and producer, according to Entertainment Weekly. Notably, the Paramount adaptation will follow a separate storyline from Sony's three-part series, which starred Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry, Sofía Vergara, and Hank Azaria. The upcoming musical will also feature original songs by Rihanna. It's not the album we've long been waiting for, but new music is new music.

"I got to play a part and just imagine. I got to just be myself.

Rihanna is about to be the only girl in the world.

The beloved popstar has been cast as Smurfette, the only Smurf in The Smurf Village, in the upcoming “Untitled Smurfs Animated Film”.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced the news today during the final day of CinemaCon 2023, where Rihanna appeared on stage at a Paramount Pictures Presentation.

Read More: Rihanna, Second Time Mom-To-Be, Posts Son’s Picture In A Cute Fendi Jacket

The “Lift Me Up” hitmaker, 35, also announced that she will write and perform original music, plus serve as a producer on the film.

“On behalf of our studio and our creative partners at Lafig [the company that owns the Smurfs brand], we couldn’t be more excited to have found our Smurfette in one of the most beloved stars in the world,” said Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and Ramsey Naito, President of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation. “With...

Rihanna to star in a new Smurfs movie (Photo Credit: Dennis Leupold)

Rihanna is going to be the new Smurfette, and that’s not something anyone had on their 2023 bingo card. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter will lend her voice to the weird little blue creature in the upcoming Untitled Smurfs Animated Film (the project’s temporary title).

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies announced the casting during the 2023 CinemaCon. CinemaCon is an annual event hosted at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas by the National Association of Theatre Owners. The major film studios attend to promote their upcoming theatrical releases via footage and special appearances by big-name stars. During Paramount Pictures’ presentation, Rihanna graced the stage and confirmed her latest film project will find her slipping into the world of the popular creatures created by Peyo.

Rihanna will also write and perform original songs, and serve as a producer.

“On behalf of our...

Paramount is riding incredibly high after their 2022 box office grosses rose past $1 billion for the first time in over a decade and kept its momentum going at CinemaCon with plenty of exciting announcements and sneak peeks.

But before all of that, Chris Aronson showed up to give a little spoonful of tough love.

In his time as head of domestic distribution at 20th Century Fox and now at Paramount, Aronson has been known at CinemaCon both for his humorous entrances at studio presentations and his very candid takes on the movie theater business. This year saw more of both as Aronson emerged from a sewer manhole with some pizza to promote “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” prompting the film’s writer-producer Seth Rogen to joke that it was “quite appropriate” to see a Hollywood exec doing that.

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The artist behind beloved smash hits like “Don’t Smurf the Music,” “Rude Smurf,” “Smurf Better Have My Money,” and “Only Smurf (in the World)” will finally step into the role she was destined to play: Smurfette. The producers of what’s still being called Untitled Smurfs Animated Film (officially italicized as such, so maybe that will be the title) announced Thursday that Rihanna will step into the role.

“This is a delight,” Rihanna said of playing the “blue badass” at CinemaCon, where she was on hand for the announcement...

Rihanna will star as Smurfette in an upcoming untitled Smurfs animated movie from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, the artist announced at CinemaCon on Thursday, April 27th.

In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).

Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”

The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.

Rihanna previously lent her voice...

Rihanna will star as Smurfette in an upcoming untitled Smurfs animated movie from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, the artist announced at CinemaCon on Thursday, April 27th.

In addition to the voice role, Rihanna will write and perform original music for the film, which she will also produce. “I tried to get the Papa Smurf role, but it didn’t work out,” she joked on stage (via Variety).

Not much else is known about the movie besides its release date of February 14th, 2025. However, Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito said it will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”

The Chris Miller-directed movie is based on Belgian artist Peyo’s comic books and will be co-directed by Matt Landon. Pam Brady wrote the script. Besides Rihanna, Jay Brown, Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith, and Ryan Harris will serve as producers.

Rihanna previously lent her voice...

Rihanna will star as Smurfette in the untitled animated “Smurfs” film, Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies said Thursday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

Appearing on stage, the singer and entrepreneur will also write and perform original music and serve as a producer for the film.

“On behalf of our studio and our creative partners at Lafig, we couldn’t be more excited to have found our Smurfette in one of the most beloved stars in the world,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation, said in a statement. “With Rihanna’s singular creative appeal and musical talents, there is an enormous opportunity to elevate the cultural touchstone of The Smurfs universe in a way that’s never been done before.”

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Based on...

Paramount is getting animated. The studio made a big show of its animated slate of movies for the rest of the year and moving into 2024 and 2025, with the studio announcing some colorful voice casting and announcing some new films that will be hitting theaters.

In addition to showing footage for its 2023 films “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” Paramount Animation president Ramsey Naito announced a fourth “SpongeBob Squarepants” movie, shared an update on its planned trilogy of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” movies, and the voice casting for a new “Transformers” animated film and the first movie in its partnership to bring “The Smurfs” back to the big screen.

First, the fourth SpongeBob movie is titled “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” and it will open in theaters on May 23, 2025. All we got to see today was concept art, but Naito also discussed the plot for the film,...

Rihanna will voice Smurfette in Paramount and Nickelodeon’s Untitled Smurfs Animated Film. She’ll also write and perform original music for the film while serving as a producer on the movie, which is slated for a Feb. 14, 2025 release.

Appearing on stage at CinemaCon, Rihanna said she’s thrilled to be playing this “blue badass” in the reimagined Smurfs movie. “I get to show up in my PJs in my third trimester,” added the mother-to-be. “I hope this gives me cool points with my kids one day.”

Based on the characters of Belgian comics writer and artist Peyo, the movie is described as a comedic, musical adventure “that sets out to answer one of life’s biggest questions: What is a Smurf?” Chris Miller, the Oscar-nominated director of 2011’s Puss in Boots, is helming the project.

During Paramount’s slate presentation at CinemaCon, Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation,...

Rihanna has been cast in the voice role of Smurfette in a new live-action hybrid feature from Paramount Animation, “The Smurfs Movie.” The superstar made a surprise in-person appearance at CinemaCon, Las Vegas’ annual convention of movie theater owners, to make the announcement on Thursday.

“I tried to get the Papa Smurf role but It didn’t work out,” the singer joked on stage at Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino, alongside Paramount Animation head Ramsey Naito. It was revealed that Rihanna will star, write and record original songs, and produce the upcoming project. Clad in a stonewash denim cape, she also confirmed she is in her third trimester of pregnancy with her second child.

The film, according to Naito, will explore themes of identity and ask the central question, “What is a Smurf?”

Rihanna previously lent her voice to the DreamWorks animated feature “Home,” which grossed over $380 million at the worldwide box office.

Step aside Trolls: Rihanna is here to slay as a Smurf.

With Universal’s animated musical “Trolls” franchise going strong with the upcoming “Trolls Band Together,” Paramount Pictures during Thursday’s CinemaCon presentation unveiled an untitled “Smurfs” animated film starring Oscar-nominated Grammy winner Rihanna as Smurfette.

Rihanna is creating and performing original music for the film and also serving as a producer. The “Smurfs” movie will debut in theaters February 14, 2025, from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies.

Chris Miller and Matt Landon co-direct the “Smurfs” film, based on characters created by Peyo. “South Park” producer and “Team America: World Police” writer Pam Brady penned the screenplay. In addition to Rihanna, Ryan Harris, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty-Ty” Smith produce.

“Getting to do animation is a fun journey for me,” Rihanna said at CinemaCon. “I’m usually front and center with everything with my likeness…but this was fun, I got to imagine,...