Xolo Maridueña talks Rihanna, yellow flags, and the mystery under a Smurf’s hat

The Smurfs Movie is now in theaters, bringing a new generation of blue magic to the big screen. With a fresh A-List cast, wild dimension-hopping adventures, and the one and only Rihanna as Smurfette. In this reimagined take on Peyo’s iconic characters, Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) is kidnapped by evil wizards Gargamel and Razamel, forcing Smurfette to lead a group of brave Smurfs into the real world to save him.

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It’s a bold, animated rescue mission, and Xolo Maridueña, who voices Brainy Smurf, is along for the fun. 

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 In moments of doubt, look to your community - Xolo Maridueña

HOLA! had the chance to talk to the actor with Mexican, Cuban, and Ecuadorian roots, who gushed about the opportunity to be in a project with Rihanna. “I have a long-standing appreciation for Rihanna,” Maridueña said. “It’s been there on record before I was an actor - I was a fan. So, getting to this, all these years later, and getting the call that I might get to work together was a dream come true. And she’s fantastic in this.”

For Maridueña, he brought fun and humanity to Brainy, the know-it-all of the village. We asked the actor what he’d give a TED Talk on if he had the chance: “I’ve really been into yellow flags recently - the idea that there are things that are kind of ambiguous." 

When asked to elaborate he had a hilarious answer,  “This is something that I shouldn't have a gripe with, but maybe I do is ls like if we’re having dinner and someone’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t like asparagus,’ and I’m like, ‘OK, well, when did you have asparagus?’ And they say, ‘I’ve never had asparagus.’ That’s a yellow flag. Sorry. Welcome to my TED Talk.”

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HOLA! got the inside scoop that the Smurfs aren't allowed to take off their hats. When asked what might be under them, he thought hard. "It’s gotta be just the shape of their head, right? Like they’ve got to just all have big old coscorrón on the top of their heads. Maybe they’re like snails... maybe there’s a third eye up there. I’m so disturbed.”

Amid the silly puns and adventure, there is a sweet message. "What can humanity learn from the Smurfs right now?" HOLA! asked Maridueña. “The community is really what’s most important. A lot of other forces are going to try to affect the community, but it’s on the ground level that a lot of the change and a lot of the culture is happening. In moments of doubt, look to your community.”

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And he’s not the only one feeling that. We asked two of his co-stars the same question. Starting with Nick Offerman, "The members of your community are all to be valued equally. And from them, you can learn what your purpose is.”

The legendary John Goodman added, "Each one has a purpose that must be respected. And it makes for a diverse and interesting community.”

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As for working alongside Rihanna, Offerman said it was a no-brainer: “When you get pitched a project, sometimes it requires thought and/or negotiation. Like, ‘Well, that’s a lesser hip-hop artist, so I’m gonna need a limousine.’ But when they come with Smurfs and Rihanna, you’re just like, where have you been all my life?”

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Rihanna didn’t just voice Smurfette, she also produced the film and contributed to the music, something she called both “thrilling” and “challenging.” “It was invigorating and exciting for me to not only embody a character but also bring my musical life into the mix,” she told production. “We worked with music producers and choreographers whose work I admire. To put those two worlds together was a win-win for everyone. It pushed us all to challenge our artistry.”

Directed by Chris Miller, the film honors the original designs by Peyo and the beloved Saturday morning cartoons many grew up with, while reimagining the world through a vibrant, modern lens. “In this film, audiences will see Smurfs in a way that no one’s ever seen them before,” said Miller. 

From a peaceful village in the forest to an epic, interdimensional journey, The Smurfs Movie is a reminder of the power of friendship, community, and finding your purpose.