According to PEOPLE, Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts (Money Monster) will turn blue and voice the character of SmurfWillow in 2017’s Smurfs: The Lost Village. SmurfWillow is described as being “wise” and is a new addition to the world of Smurfs, created for the upcoming film. The first look at the character, who is chatting with Papa Smurf, can be seen here…
On being a part of the production, Roberts told the aforementioned outlet: “Smurfs are such a fun part of our animated culture. They were popular when I was a child and they were popular when my kids were little. It’s fun to be part of such a sweet group that continues to entertain young people.”
Director Kelly Asbury expressed his excitement about the casting news, saying he’s “thrilled” to be working with Roberts, who brings “a sense of honesty and depth, thus helping to create truth to the reality of the entire story” to her mysterious role.
Despite being in Hollywood for the past three decades, Roberts has only voiced two animated/CGI characters for films: Hova in The Ant Bully and Charlotte the Spider in Charlotte’s Web. Neither film was the unmitigated success the studios were probably hoping for, so perhaps the actress will have more luck this time around.
It seems to Smurfette that everyone else in the Village has a purpose — Papa Smurf (leading), Baker Smurf (baking), even Grouchy Smurf (grouching) — except for her. So what’s the only girl in the village to do? Go in search of hers, of course! When she accidentally crosses paths with a mysterious creature that takes off into the Forbidden Forest, she follows it, and sets off into the uncharted woods. Joined by her brothers Brainy, Hefty and Clumsy — and with the evil wizard Gargamel shadowing their every step — Team Smurf undertakes a wild journey full of action, danger and discovery, setting them on a course that leads to the biggest mystery in Smurf history!
Smurfs: The Lost Village is set for release on April 7th and features the voice talents of Demi Lovato (Smurfette), Rainn Wilson (Gargamel), Joe Manganiello (Hefty), Jack McBrayer (Clumsy), Danny Pudi (Brainy), Mandy Patinkin (Papa Smurf) and Julia Roberts (SmurfWillow).
Originally published January 18, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
