LA T I D ERY CO V IERROSTO
9 For De Wilde, whose favorite character is none other than the mischievous cat Azrael, Gargamel’s pet, the ambition is to keep expanding this universe with the same creative energy that has been part of the Peyo Cinematic Universe since its very beginning. First appeared in a 1958 comic book as a supporting act in a Johan & Peewit story, then became the heroes of their own comic book series. It is indeed thanks to the 2D cartoon produced by Hanna-Barbera that the Smurfs became a global phenomenon. In 2016, despite the success of these nine timeless seasons and three Sony Pictures features, Peyo Company believed it was time to create new audiovisual content for younger audiences, aligned with modern kids’ expectations and animation styles. It was Véronique Culliford herself, the daughter of Peyo, who decided to develop the new series, this time focusing on producing a Belgian show in the homeland of the Smurfs. Peyo Productions was established, sixty years after the first Smurfs appeared in Peyo’s comics. Bringing Smurfs Back to TV in the 21st Century Peyo Productions established a development and coproduction partnership with the Paris-based studio Dupuis Audiovisual (Ellipse Animation), part of the Media Participations Group. A historic partner of the Smurfs, Media Participations and its subsidiaries Dupuis / Le Lombard publish the Smurfts albums in French, with the latter still creating new stories in collaboration with Peyo Company’s publishing department. As the executive producer, Peyo Productions was not only a crucial partner in bringing this European project to life, but it also served as the guardian of Peyo’s legacy throughout the process. “In all our past and present endeavors, our ambition is to keep expanding this universe with the same creative energy, valuing the quality of writing, directing, animation, music, and rendering”, adds De Wilde. “And in doing so, always strive to share with audiences around the globe the sense of joy, wonder, and connection that makes these characters timeless.”
CursedLand (in development) - ©Peyo Productions - All Rights Reserved
Premiering in April 2021 in Belgium before expanding to French, German, and US networks, the new animated series of The Smurfs is a Belgian-French-German co-production backed by KiKA, TF1, Ketnet, and RTBF, which has been airing on Nickelodeon in the US since the first season.
Peyo in 1973 in front of the storyboard of The Smurfs and the Magic Flute - ©Peyo