Editor's note: After this story was published, Quentin Tarantino's publicist told MTV News that the director is not involved with the "Smurfs" movie.
With a "Smurfs" movie coming together some 30-plus years after the franchise broke through here, names are coming fast and furious of who will be providing the voices of the iconic blue characters. We caught up with a "Smurfs" co-star who is decidedly taller than three apples high to get the scoop on his character.
"I'm Gutsy," Alan Cumming revealed when we spoke to him over the weekend at Elton John's Oscar viewing party. As best as we can tell, there was never a "Gutsy" on the 1981-89 cartoon series, which hooked millions of little kids on the idea of tiny blue people with stubby tails living in giant mushrooms.
Cumming also told MTV News that Quentin Tarantino would be playing Papa Smurf's right-hand man, Brainy, but a publicist for the "Inglourious Basterds" director denied his involvement.
"Other voices are Katy Perry; she's Smurfette," Cumming said of the "I Kissed a Girl" singer, who will be making her theatrical debut as the voice of the most prominent woman to live with all those dozens of little blue dudes. "George Lopez [as Grouchy] is another one."
Revealing further details, Cumming added that the previously announced Neil Patrick Harris would be playing what sounds like a brand-new human character — and that the Smurfs' evil nemesis could be a big name. "Gargamel, I'm not sure [if I can say]; they're still negotiating with someone that would be fabulous," he said. "Neil Patrick Harris is [playing] the nice man who helps us."
"Smurfs" is targeting a July 29, 2011, release and will likely be in 3-D. Stay tuned, as additional Smurfs names are likely to emerge in the upcoming days and weeks.
For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.
This story was originally published at 6:02pm on 3.9.10
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