Rediscovering the Enchanted- ‘The Smurfs- The Lost Village’ – A Heartwarming Sequel to the Iconic Series
Is “Smurfs: The Lost Village” a Sequel?
The Smurfs, an iconic group of small, blue creatures, have captured the hearts of audiences around the world since their debut in the 1960s. Over the years, the Smurfs have starred in numerous films, television shows, and merchandise, becoming a beloved part of popular culture. One of the most debated topics among fans is whether “Smurfs: The Lost Village” is indeed a sequel to the previous films. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the two films to determine if “Smurfs: The Lost Village” qualifies as a sequel.
Background of the Smurfs Franchise
The Smurfs were created by Belgian artist Peyo, who introduced them in his comic book series “The Smurfs” in 1958. The characters quickly gained popularity, and in 1961, the first Smurfs animated series was produced. Since then, the Smurfs have appeared in various adaptations, including live-action films, animated movies, and television shows. The original live-action film, “The Smurfs,” was released in 2011, followed by “The Smurfs 2” in 2013. Both films were directed by Raja Gosnell and featured an ensemble cast, including Hank Azaria, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jayma Mays as the voices of the Smurfs.
Introduction of “Smurfs: The Lost Village”
“Smurfs: The Lost Village” was released in 2017 and was directed by Kelly Asbury. The film introduces a new generation of Smurfs, with a focus on the adventures of Smurfette and her friends as they discover their origins and the hidden village of Smurfs. The story is set in a lush, mystical forest, and the film aims to capture the magic and charm of the original Smurfs series.
Is “Smurfs: The Lost Village” a Sequel?
Determining whether “Smurfs: The Lost Village” is a sequel can be a subjective matter. On one hand, the film shares some key elements with the previous Smurfs movies, such as the characters, setting, and the overarching theme of the Smurfs’ adventures. However, there are also significant differences that may prevent it from being considered a true sequel.
Similarities
1. Characters: “Smurfs: The Lost Village” features the same cast of Smurfs as the previous films, including Smurfette, Brainy, Clumsy, and the rest of the Smurf family.
2. Setting: The film is set in the same magical forest as the original Smurfs series and movies, with the Smurfs living in their iconic blue houses.
3. Themes: The film explores themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, which are central to the Smurfs’ story.
Differences
1. Storyline: “Smurfs: The Lost Village” introduces a new storyline that focuses on the origins of the Smurfs and their hidden village. This is a departure from the previous films, which focused on the Smurfs’ adventures in the village.
2. Characters: While the film features the same Smurfs, it introduces new characters, such as the mysterious wizard Gargamel and his assistant, Azra.
3. Tone: “Smurfs: The Lost Village” has a more adventurous and mystical tone compared to the lighter, comedic tone of the previous films.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while “Smurfs: The Lost Village” shares some similarities with the previous Smurfs films, such as the characters and setting, the differences in storyline, characters, and tone may prevent it from being considered a true sequel. However, the film is still a worthy addition to the Smurfs franchise, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved characters and their adventures. Whether or not it is a sequel is ultimately up to the viewer’s interpretation and enjoyment of the film.