Natasha Lyonne talks about voicing the hilarious Mama Poot in Smurfs (2025), who is a hairball with heart, in this interview.
The beloved tiny, blue creatures are making their highly anticipated return to the big screen in Smurfs, hitting theaters on July 18th. This new animated adventure promises to introduce a whole new generation to the whimsical world of Smurf Village, as Papa Smurf is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, leading Smurfette and the gang on a mission into the real world to save him and discover what truly defines their destiny.
Mama’s Geeky recently had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the one-of-a-kind Natasha Lyonne, who lends her distinctive voice to the incredibly fun and unexpectedly heartwarming character of Mama Poot. Natasha dishes on the hilarious surprise of her character’s design, what it means to be part of a franchise introducing the Smurfs to new kids, and her absolute willingness to return to the Smurfiverse!
Mama Poot’s Design Was A Surprise To Natasha Lyonne
Mama’s Geeky: You are the funnest part of this movie! How fun was it to be Mama Poot?
Natasha Lyonne: It was a lot of fun. I will say that I got there that day. I just assumed I was a Smurf because, you know, I tend to do a lot of things at the same time. I’m writing, I’m directing, I’m shooting TV shows, I’m making movies, I’m producing other people’s stuff. Next thing I know, they show me an image of a hairball with one tooth. I said, excuse me, I came right to attention. Who is that person? That’s not a Smurf! And then I said, I understand. Let’s get into it. So I’m very excited.
Everyone Should Have The Smurfs In Their Life
Mama’s Geeky: What does it mean to you that you are part of an introduction to a new generation of Smurfs?
Natasha Lyonne: I think it’s adorable. I think that Smurfs really do deserve to go on in perpetuity. I mean, they’re great. They’re Smurfs. I don’t know where they came from, but I can’t imagine a world without them. And now that we know about Smurfs, who wants a world without Smurfs? So it’s a nice, fun thing. Kids should know about Smurfs.
Mama’s Geeky: Would you come back as Mama Poot if this continues on?
Natasha Lyonne: I’m already attached to a 97 picture deal and 3000 Mama Poot spinoffs. So I hope there’s an appetite for it. But yeah, I got another 10 years calendar, nothing but Mama Poot on there. I absolutely would return as Mama Poot. I’d return even as a Smurf and Mama Poot. I’m delighted to be a part of the Smurf universe. And I’m so happy that Mama Poot has connected with Smurf fans.
Embracing The Power of Protection
Mama’s Geeky: What I love about Mama Poot so much is how protective she is of her people. Not to give spoilers, but at one point, that really is what drives her to go forward and continue on this adventure.
Natasha Lyonne: Yes. And I think that’s a beautiful quality, you know, to be protective. It’s not just to be protective of your clan, but that it drives you into action and that it wakes you up a little bit. I’m somebody who I probably just read a book in bed. But if I have a friend text me and they need something, I’m more inclined. All right, up we go. Let’s get there. I can identify with that, you know?
Picking A Smurf Name
Mama’s Geeky: If you were to be a Smurf, and I’m sure everyone’s asked you this, but what do you think your Smurf name would be? Who would you be?
Natasha Lyonne: Well, I’m at level with you, Tessa, you’re the first. How does it work? How do you name one? Surreal Smurf. I’d be the Surreal Smurf. Nobody’s watching that Smurf. Maybe I’d be a Subway Smurf. Subway Smurf takes to New York subways a lot. Raised Pizza Smurf. Is that one? That’s also a New York reference. I was gonna say Cinema Smurf. Knows a lot about cinema of the 70s and auteur theory. Probably none of those are super popular. I’m just thinking of my immediate likes.
City Smurf. Maybe I’ll be City Smurf. I guess we did it. I think City Smurf, because then City Smurf gets to go on all kinds of adventures. Eats pizza, takes the subway, goes to the movies, goes to Central Park, lights up the Empire State Building, like I got to do this morning with Nick Offerman and John Goodman. Big delight. And so, yeah, I’ll be City Smurf. And by the way, City Smurf loves the beach. So City Smurf definitely goes swimming in the ocean, even Coney Island.
Mama’s Geeky: OK, I want a Mama Poot and City Smurf adventure movie. That’s what I think we need.
Natasha Lyonne: OK, let’s write it, write it, pitch it, sell it. Green light, green light, green light.
Be sure to check out this other Smurfs interview with John Goodman, Nick Offerman, and Xolo Maridueña, and don’t miss Smurfs in theaters!