James Corden was taken aback when he received an unexpected voice message from Rihanna, inviting him to join the cast of the upcoming Smurfs movie. The message was unlike anything he had experienced before, and it led directly to his role as No Name in the new film.
The Role and Significance of No Name in the 2025 Smurfs Movie
In the 2025 adaptation of The Smurfs, Corden voices No Name, described as Smurfette’s closest companion and emotional support. Director Chris Miller highlights No Name as the heart of the story, portraying a character on a journey to find identity and meaning. Corden explains,
“In the Smurf world, he is completely lost. For him, the film is about his quest to discover his purpose. Smurfette is his ally and confidante, the person that tells him that he is going to be okay. She gives him some tough love at points. And she’s also a brilliant singer, because…it’s Rihanna.”
Working with Rihanna and Embracing the Smurfs Legacy
Despite his background hosting Carpool Karaoke, Corden admits that recording alongside Rihanna was an intimidating experience.
“When I was in the studio with Rihanna and her producers, it was hard not to feel like somebody made a huge mistake,”
he joked. Reflecting on joining a globally recognized franchise, Corden expressed admiration for the enduring popularity of the Smurfs, noting that their cultural presence remains strong worldwide. He shared,
“I reckon wherever you are in the world, you could show a picture of a Smurf to people and more than half of them would recognize it. It’s a phenomenon that has lasted an incredibly long time and retained its relevance. I’m very honored to be part of it.”
Release Details for The Smurfs Movie in India
Paramount Pictures India has announced that The Smurfs will be released in India on July 18, available in both English and Hindi. This release aims to connect with a broad audience, extending the reach of the beloved franchise further into the Indian market.