Rihanna to attend world premiere of Smurfs movie in Brussels
Brussels will be decked out in blue on Saturday to mark the world premiere of Smurfs, a live-action movie based on Peyo's comic book series. Rihanna, who voiced the character Smurfette and wrote music for the film's soundtrack, will be in attendance.
The last time Brussels hosted such a high-profile premiere was in 2011, with the world premiere of Steven Spielberg's Tintin movie. Once again, it is Belgium's rich comic book tradition that is bringing Hollywood celebrities to the city.
Created by Belgian comic artist Peyo in 1958, the Smurfs are small, blue creatures living in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest. Anny Schmit, Paramount Pictures' managing director, called the premiere of the new movie a unique opportunity. "During the event, we will make it clear that the Smurfs are Belgian," she said.
Blue carpet
The festivities will begin on Friday evening with several locations in Brussels being lit up in blue, including the Grand Place. On Saturday, Manneken Pis will don a Smurf costume, and families will be welcomed to Smurf Village on the Mont des Arts, where they can enjoy various free activities.
Later on Saturday, the film's crew, including Rihanna, will appear on a blue carpet running from Place Royale to the Mont des Arts. Around 700 Belgian and international guests have been invited to the world premiere, and around 300 fans will be welcomed to the fan zone to catch a glimpse of the crew.
The movie will be released in cinemas on 16 July. Directed by Chris Miller and written by Pam Brady, it is the fourth feature film to be made about the Smurfs. In May, Rihanna released Friend of Mine, a song she created for the movie's soundtrack. The track marked the pop star's first release in three years.
© PHOTO BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP
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