One of the few stories that we covered during a news week that was dominated almost entirely by awards coverage was the announcement of Matthew McConaughey as the first actor cast in Illumination Entertainment’s second as-of-yet untitled 2016 film. Now we have news of another first addition to a major 2016 animated film.
The Hollywood Reporter recently broke the news that Mandy Patinkin (best known for his role on Showtime’s Homeland) is in final negotiations to voice Papa Smurf in Sony Pictures Animation’s all-animated reboot of The Smurfs.
Directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2, Gnomeo and Juliet), the film will explore the origins of the Smurfs, with its tone, looks, designs and environments made to hew more closely to the work of original artist and creator Peyo.
Jonathan Winters originally voiced Papa Smurf in the previous two CGI/Live-Action hybrid films and was the voice of Grandpa Smurf on the classic 80’s television series (with Don Messick providing the voice of Papa Smurf).
This will be Patinkin’s first major role in animation. He previously lent his voice to the English-language adaptation of The Wind Rises and the indie feature Jock the Hero Dog.
For those interested, click this link to follow the film’s production blog for more updates.
Untitled Smurfs Reboot will bow in theaters on August 5, 2016.
What do you think? Is he a good choice for Papa Smurf?
