'Smurfs' Sequel Is Two Years Away

Sony Pictures could care less about critics slamming its new comedy, The Smurfs and will start production on a sequel. The film's trailer describes it as "the first true blue 3D adventure of the year" and while the Neil Patrick Harris movie may not be a top Oscar contender, it's a hit at the box office. Since its release on July 29, the film has earned over $135 million worldwide and is currently the second-most popular film in the country.

No wonder Sony execs are giving the go-ahead for a second feature-length installment about the blue gnome gang, which originated from Pierre Culliford's 1958 comic strip. The once-popular comic and cartoon translated to movie magic with recruits like Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry (pictured) and George Lopez to voice Papa Smurf, Smurfette and Grouchy Smurf.

Sony's first live action and computer animated hybrid, The Smurfs follows the blue gnome gang as they accidentally enter a secret portal to New York City after trying to escape their nemesis, Gargamel. Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria, Sofia Vergara and Tim Gunn round out the real-life cast.

Smurfs director, Raja Gosnell spoke with Trailer Addict about telling the classic Smurfs story with a modern twist. "It was really a challenge sort of reintroducing such a beloved brand to, you know, the audience that appreciated them growing up and then also a new audience," Gosnell said. "It's sort of the message of family and wholesomeness and it's just the fun that these guys have together."

The Smurfs sequel, which has yet to be titled, will be in theaters August 2013.