Smurfs The Lost Village Cast Interviews

Have you seen Smurfs The Lost Village yet?  If not, this week is the perfect time to go!

I was invited to interview some of the talent in the Smurfs and it was a great experience learning about the characters and reminiscing about Smurf memories of the past.

At the Smurfs Junket, we interviewed Joe Manganiello who plays Hefty Smurf and Demi Lovato who plays Smurfette first.  I always find press junkets to be a great way to meet the actors and find out their perspective on making the film.

We found out that the actors really did not act together.  For the most part, they did their voice over work with the director Kelly Asbury.  This type of work was new for Demi and she found it quite interesting.

For Demi, it was an honor to play Smurfette.  She enjoyed bringing her own sense of confidence and mischieviousness to the character.  They both are two girls that are courageous and love an adventure.

During the interview, I learned that heartthrob Joe also serves on the board of the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital.  SONY sent him with Hefty Smurf and the movie to share with the children at the hospital.  He really was glad to have a movie that the kids could see unlike his role in True Blood and Magic Mike 2.

On this note, Joe shared that he grew up on the Smurfs.  He likes the idea that he is now Hefty Smurf and he can be like “Hey, its Uncle Joe to his niece and nephew.

One trait that Joe loves about Hefty is his sense of chivalry.  Growing up, Joe was taught to protect other kids who couldn’t fight.  He thinks that this is a great trait to teach young boys.

When asked which part of the film Demi could relate to, she answered the part whe Smurfette decides she is going to find out who she is.  For Joe it was that idea that no one is one thing.  We all have many characteristics that make us special. Joe also appreciate

Before we ended the interview, Demi and Joe were asked what smurf they would like to be.  For Demi, she first thought Singing Smurf but then her sweet tooth took over and she liked the sound of Sugar Smurf better.  Although Hefty is strong and full of brawn, Joe could also be like Brainy Smurf.

Stay tuned! Demi is now working on her 6th album and Joe started shooting Rampage with Dwayne Johnson.

 

Our second interview was with director Kelly Asbury and Mandy Patinkin who plays Papa Smurf.  Mandy felt that it was just joy to play Papa Smurf.

 

“I enjoy being a father figure more than anything.  When you are the father, that means you have children and you will learn from them.”

 

Kelly shared some Smurf math with us.  The teacher in me loved this part.  Did you know that the actual size of a smurf would be 9 inches?

Kelly described the world of Smurfs like looking at a miniature Viewmaster world.  He paid close attention to Peyo’s style of shapes and visual language.

 

When asked about how he cast characters, he shared that the reason he casts actors is that he hears their voice quality and acting ability.  He doesn’t want a cartoony voice. He wants everyone to be themselves and bring themselves to the character.

I loved listening to all of their thoughts on the movie.  My girls and I enjoyed the Smurf movie return to full animation and we marveled at the Lost Village and all its creative aspects.

In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does.  Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! The feature is directed by Kelly Asbury, produced by Jordan Kerner and Mary Ellen Bauder Andrews, and written by Stacey Harman and Pamela Ribon, based on the characters and works of Peyo. 

The “Small Smurfs Big Goals” campaign is designed to encourage everyone to learn about and support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals which were agreed on by all 193 member countries of the United Nations in 2015.

The popular Smurfs characters are encouraging children, young people and adults to make the world happier, more peaceful, equitable and healthy with a campaign launched today by the United Nations, UNICEF, and the United Nations Foundation.

The public can also join “Team Smurfs” by visiting the SmallSmurfsBigGoals.com website to find out how they can contribute to achieving the Goals; discover which goals are best suited to their interests; raise their voices for a better world for all; and share information, ideas and images on social media.

Have you seen Smurfs The Lost Village yet? What was your favorite scene?