This 3D live-action/CGI family film will finally release July 29 after having its release date changed three times. While being chased by evil wizard Gargamel, the Smurfs are chased into a portal, which transports them to Central Park. Neil Patrick Harris stars alongside the voices of Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, George Lopez, B.J. Novak, John Oliver and Paul Reubens.
Sony PicturesSony Pictures is actually closer to Smurfs 2 than you might think.
Last week, in the wake of The Smurfs surprisingly robust $35 million opening weekend, the company set a date for the sequel — Aug. 2, 2013 — and said Jordan Kerner was returning as a producer.
Not revealed was the fact the studio had been working on a script for months and in fact has a completed draft in hand.
VIDEO: ‘Cowboys & Alien’s’ Harrison Ford Rips Smurf’s Head Off on Conan
Earlier this year, when the movie began taking the form of a viable franchise launcher, Sony went to its original writers to begin work on a sequel. In the spring, writing teams David Stem and David Weiss and Jay Scherick and David Ronn began work on a story. Stem and Weiss then took on scripting duties.
The early assignment was due to the large amount of lead-time required for live action/CG hybrids. Sony was willing to bet on the franchise, even though some questioned the appeal of a Smurfs movie.
STORY: ‘Smurfs’ vs. ‘Cars 2’: Who’s Winning the Toy Wars?
The script was handed in a couple of weeks ago, giving the studio confidence it has a template for a sequel.
Stem and Weiss, repped by WME, are well-versed in the family film field, having worked on kid-friendly projects ranging from the Rugrats TV show to Shrek 2 to Daddy Day Camp.
ICM-repped Scherick and Ronn wrote Zookeeper and National Security.
The Smurfs has grossed nearly $250 million worldwide so far.
Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com
Twitter: @Borys_Kit
More from The Hollywood Reporter
-
Writers Strike
Taika Waititi, Eva Longoria and Niecy Nash-Betts Talk Leading the Diversity Charge at The Hollywood Reporter’s Raising Our Voices Luncheon
![]()
-
Bruce Willis
Tallulah Willis Opens Up About Coping With Father Bruce Willis’ Dementia, Says She’s “Known Something Was Wrong for a Long Time”
![]()
-
Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone Discusses Challenges With Getting Work Since Her Stroke, Rails Against “Anti-Woke Bullsh**” at THR’s Raising Our Voices Event
![]()
-
![]()
-
Harassment in Hollywood
Los Angeles District Attorney Decides Against Bringing Charges in Armie Hammer Sexual Misconduct Case
![]()
-
Writers Strike
Boston University President Accuses 2023 Graduates of “Cancel Culture” After They Boo David Zaslav During Commencement
![]()
