Global superstar Rihanna (37) is coming to Brussels for the global premiere of 'The Smurfs: The Movie' this weekend. As she is the voice of Smurfette, she will be spotted on the red (or blue) carpet.
Brussels will be decked out in blue on Saturday to mark the world premiere of the live-action movie based on Peyo's comic book series, with a Smurf-coloured carpet that will be rolled out on the Mont des Arts in the heart of the city for the film crew.
In addition to director Chris Miller (who also directed 'Puss in Boots'), actors James Corden, Dan Levy and world-famous singer Rihanna will also be making an appearance. Not only did she voice the character of Smurfette, she also co-produced the film and wrote music for its soundtrack.
The festivities will kick off on Friday evening: several locations, including the Grand Place, will be coloured blue. The mayor of the City of Brussels Philippe Close (PS) will welcome the daughter of Peyo, Véronique Culliford, for a ceremony on the balcony of the town hall.
Another Belgian icon turns blue
On Saturday at 10:00, Manneken Pis will unveil his new outfit. The famous Brussels statue will be dressed in the outfit of 'Smurf Without a Nam, one of the characters in the film. From 13:00, families are welcome at the Mont des Arts in the Smurf Village, where they can take part in various activities free of charge.
The highlight of the day, however, will be when the film crew and Rihanna make their appearance on the blue carpet, which will run from the Place Royale to the Mont des Arts.
Around 700 Belgian and international guests have been invited to the film screening, and some 300 fans are welcome in the fan zone to catch a glimpse of Rihanna.
The film will be released in cinemas three weeks later, on Wednesday 16 July. It has been eagerly awaited for a long time, following three previous feature films about the little blue friends released in 2011, 2013 and 2017.
US director Steven Spielberg in front of a Thalys train in the colours of Tintin in Brussels' Midi train station, October 2011. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
This is the second time that Belgium's rich comic book tradition is bringing Hollywood celebrities to the city. The last time the city hosted such a high-profile premiere was more than ten years ago, for the world premiere of Steven Spielberg's 'Tintin' movie in 2011.
Created by Belgian comic artist Peyo in 1958, the Smurfs are small, blue creatures living in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest.
Anny Schmit, managing director at Paramount Pictures, called the premiere of the new movie a unique opportunity. "During the event, we will make it clear that the Smurfs are Belgian."
