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Rihanna introduces the first trailer for Paramount Animation’s upcoming musical film Smurfs, only fitting since her character Smurfette is front and center in the trailer released today by Paramount.

Based on the characters and works of Peyo, written by Pam Brady and directed by Chris Miller, Smurfs hits theaters July 18.

Along with Rihanna the voice cast includes James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

The synopsis: When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/108UjvIzE64

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/02/trailer-world-domination-is-back-on-the-menu-in-plankton-the-movie/

Netflix and Nickelodeon today debuted the trailer and new first-look stills for Plankton: The Movie, which will officially premiere exclusively on the global streamer on March 7. The spot reveals how Plankton’s lifelong dreams of world domination are scuttled when his long-suffering AI assistant, Karen, decides to take charge.

Plankton: The Movie also features original songs by Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords), Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Linda Perry, Mark Mothersbaugh & Bob Mothersbaugh.

Variety has learned from sources that a sequel series to the beloved show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is nearing a pilot order at Hulu.

Sources say that Sarah Michelle Gellar is in final talks to once again play the iconic title character in the untitled project, although it would focus on a new Slayer and Gellar would appear in a recurring role rather than leading the series.

Reviews:

• Hollywood Reporter: ‘Common Side Effects’ Review: Adult Swim’s Animated Conspiracy Thriller About Big Pharma Is a Whole Vibe - Terrifyingly timely, darkly hilarious, strangely haunting.
• NY Times: Review: In ‘Common Side Effects,’ It’s Fungus vs. Them - A weird, deadpan animated thriller finds a new timeliness in ancient medicine.
• LA Times: An animated thriller takes on Big Pharma, with ‘King of the Hill’ heart
• WSJ: ‘Common Side Effects’ Review: Adult Swim’s Miracle Mushroom ( https://archive.is/y0YiV )
• IGN: Common Side Effects Episodes 1-4 Review - A grounded, conspiracy-laden story told through surreal animation.

Interviews:

• Animation Magazine: Fascinating Fungi: ‘Common Side Effects’ Creators Raise the Curtain on Their Clever Animated Series
• The Verge: Common Side Effects’ creators see the US healthcare system as the show’s villain
• Salon: "Common Side Effects" animates the dream of a cure-all and the reality of Big Pharma's corruption

Trailer: https://youtu.be/uvp2EYCXYwU

John Mulaney is getting ready to launch his live variety talk show at Netflix.

The comedian is set to kick off his show – the follow-up to his successful and beautifully chaotic Everybody’s in LA series – on March 12. Everybody Live with John Mulaney will run for 12 weeks.

Mulaney received a two-season order from the streamer.