Rumors continue to swirl regarding the upcoming Smurf movie! Here is a recap of the rumors and information to come to light so far:

February, 2002: The Belgian firm A&A Computer Systems issues the following press release:

"The Belgian company I.M.P.S., proprietor of the license for worldwide merchandising of the Smurfs, is working on a pilot for a new cartoon series, which will possibly be produced in 3D. "The 3D technology offers tremendous creative possibilities that are unused so far in the Smurfs' cartoon-world," states I.M.P.S.

I.M.P.S. chose the technology of A&A computer systems, which offered Discreet 3ds max on the highly performant IBM intellistations.

Decisive factors for this decision were 3ds max' market penetration and features. Of major importance were also the support, training and know-how offered by A&A computer systems.

3ds max is the world's best selling animation package, with hundreds of plug-ins available. To maintain the cartoon style, A&A advised the Illustrate and FinalRender plugins. These softwares generate a 2D cartoon output of a 3ds max animation. Of course, also Discreet's character studio, to create character animations with the "footstep" system, was indispensable too.

Now we can all start waiting impatiently to see the Smurfs back on TV!"

February 25, 2002: AWN.com reports:

"Smurfs: Back In Blue

Are you ready for more Smurfs? Because it looks like IMPS, the Belgian company that owns the worldwide license for Smurfs merchandising, is planning to create a new series of the cuddly blue creatures in Smurfy 3D. According to A&A computer systems, the technology provider to IMPS, the company is working on a pilot for a new Smurf series, which will possibly be produced in 3D. An IMPS representative stated that 3D "offers tremendous creative possibilities that have so far been unused in the Smurfs' cartoon world."

1/27/03: DarkHorizons.com reports:

"The Smurfs: Filmscope reports that New Line Cinema have apparently committed to a movie based on the classic cartoon."

1/27/03 Moviehole.net reports:

"New Line commits to a "Smurfs" movie According to Dark Horizons, Filmscope is reporting that those lovable Blue creatures "The Smurfs" are coming to the big screen. New Line Cinema is said to be guiding the light for Poppa Smurf and his band of blu-tac like groupies."

4/1/03 ProductionWeekly.com reports (NOTE - THIS WAS A CONFIRMED HOAX!):

"The Smurfs - The Movie!

Casting has started on the live-action musical version of "The Smurfs," based on the 80's animated series, created by Peyo. Casting directors held open auditions in Los Angeles and New York over the weekend (3/29-30/03). Jeff Goldblum will make his feature directing debut and star as the Smurfs nemesis Gargamel. In 1995 he directed the Oscar nominated live action short "Little Surprises."

The classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featured magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These lovable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree...except for one major threat to their existence: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.

The script follows the Smurfs' efforts to fight off Gargamel, as he tries to smurf the smurf of Smurfette, in order to obtain her magical secrets and gain dignity among the wizard's fraternity. With the help of Brainy Smurf, Papa Smurf is able to smurf a plan to make Gargamel more Smurfy to thwart his efforts to ever smurf again."

5/9/03 DarkHorizons.com reports:

"The Smurfs: Latest wild rumour - Filmink reports that Jeff Goldblum is looking to both direct and play Gargamel in a big-screen version of the cartoon."

6/12/03 I attend the 2003 Licensing Fair in NYC where I meet with IMPS who confirms there is a movie in the works, but will not provide any other information.

11/14/2003 A Schleich rep tells me that there have been a few articles, and now some industry interest in a Smurfs revival. IMPS is announcing a deal with a Hollywood studio to do the Smurf movie. There has been some information discussed in meetings and licensing of other companies are now on hold while they take the highest bidder. I am told "Have fun while it lasts!"

Starting 3/16/04, Unregistered Guest User "SpySmurf" began posting messages to the MushroomVillage.com bulletin board - here are some excerpts and information from his posts:

"Hello, I am a new and huge Smurf Fan - I have been collecting Smurfs for 2 months now but I have always been a huge smurf fan and I wanted to share some Smurf movie rumors with all of you. Here is what I know and have been told, these are just rumors so take em with a grain of salt..."

"Jeff Goldblum was going to produce, that's a big fat lie! Jeff Goldblum is in talks to provide the voice of Gargamel for the New Smurf movie after or in between Filming Jurassic Park 4, Frank Welker will provide the Voice of Azrael, Papa Smurf and Hefty Smurf as he did in the 1980's Cartoon. I have been told Kelly Ripa is in talks to lend her voice for Smurfette."

"I hear New Line Cinema will carry the Movie here in the U.S.A."

"The Smurf Movie will be CGI and will look something like between Shrek & Ice Age."

"It is unknown at the current time if the movie will go to theaters or go stright to DVD & video like the Care Bears Movies, the new Inspector Gadget Movie, etc."

"Just wanted to report that Hot Topic will be selling Smurf Merchandise in Fall 2004. Some Hot Topic stores across the USA have Smurf Merchandise already."

"Hot Topic got new license rights to a number of new characters which include Yogi Bear, Strawberry Shortcake, Rainbow Bright, The Smurfs, Scooby-Doo, Harry Potter, Family Guy, American Chopper, The Simpsons, Nightmare Before Christmas, Lord of the Rings, The Punisher, Spider-man, Nintendo, 70's Sports Cars, Office Space, Cartoon Networks Adult Swim, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Tom & Jerry, and Spongebob Squarepants. Expect to see Smurfs in stores very soon."

"Hot Topic will most likely be the first place to have Smurf Merchandise until the movie comes out and then the Merchandise will spread out into other stores like Wal-mart, Target, K-mart, Bestbuy, Sam Goody, etc."

"They are stocking Smurfs because a lot of people have asked them to stock more Smurfs (PVC's), Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Transformers, etc. The 80's cartoons are VERY popular right now and yes they will probably stock for the Smurf Movie as well. Hot Topic stores are all over malls in the U.S.A. They sell shorts, shirts, pants, CDs, toys, printed tees - almost anything you can think of!"

"As for the stocking 2005 Smurfs, yet to be said."

"I have been told that there will be PVC smurfs based on the movie when it is released."

"Burger King may have Happy Meal toys based on the movie, and a Smurfberry Ice is said to be part of the promo."

"There will be a Smurf [video] Game coming soon I promise!"

WOW, THAT'S A *LOT* of info to announce! Who is this Spy Smurf? Where did this info come from? Spy Smurf says:

"Hey, this is what I know, hope you all can make something outta all of it. I do my best...let's just say I have friends in VERY high places. BUT my rumors will be comfirmed sooner than later!"

OK SPY SMURF! I would *love* to see all of this happen! Us Smurf fans have waited over 20 years for this - I don't know if we can hold out much longer!!

By the way, I recently registered to attend the 2004 licensing show in NYC June 8-10, 2004. I will be meeting with IMPS to try and get more info, and with New Line Cinema to try and confirm rumors that they are producing the movie - that is, unless the movie is released by then!! I will report my findings in a future issue...