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!

NEXT: Bringing Blue Back: An Interview with the Cast of Smurfs

Go deep into The Home with director James DeMonaco in this interview. Discover the wild twists and Pete Davidson’s fearless turn in this pure psychological horror.

James DeMonaco, the visionary behind The Purge franchise, takes a thrilling turn into pure psychological horror with his latest film, The Home. In an exclusive interview, DeMonaco discusses the wild ride of creating this new cinematic experience, working with Pete Davidson, and the deliberate choices that make The Home a must-see.

James DeMonaco: From The Purge to Pure Psychological Terror

Q: You’ve created one of the most iconic franchises with The Purge. What drew you to writing and working on something like The Home? It feels like it’s in the same vein but still very different.

James DeMonaco: Yeah, I think it’s different too; I agree. That’s the perfect way to say it: it’s in the horror vein but different. I always looked at The Purge films as more action horror, especially after we got to part one, two, three, four, five – they kind of went towards action and more like Escape from New York and the movies I grew up on. So here, the goal, what my producer and I were thinking, was the idea… Well, I shouldn’t say this came first. The idea came first, but the idea of potentially doing a psychological horror, pure psychological horror, was exciting because we hadn’t done something that was so pure to the genre. I grew up on Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant and all those great ’70s psychological horror films. I was like, this is the stuff that gave me nightmares. I’ve been plagued with nightmares since I was a young man. I have insomnia because of it, not to get into my terrible sleep habits, but movies from the ’70s really screwed me up. So it was nice to get into that vibe of a straightforward psychological horror film.

Q: You mentioned growing up with those ’70s psychological horrors, and The Home definitely delivers a third act that goes bonkers, much like films such as Hereditary and Midsommar. How challenging was it to make that stand out within the genre, especially with such a distinct twist?

James DeMonaco: Yeah, that’s my big hope: that people don’t see the big twist coming, and then they don’t see how I really… you know, we had to save a lot of money from early shootings. We shot that last because I’m like, we gotta go all in here in this third act. I want to deliver for the audience, not pull our punches. We were working with a more independently-minded studio; you know, The Purge is Universal, and they’re fantastic. But when you work independently with a smaller budget, you’re allowed to kind of push the envelope a little bit more. So it was kind of fun to say, “Let’s go all in, not pull punches.” And it’s great you bring up movies—I’m a big fan of Ari Aster and how Ari goes for it. I love that he doesn’t pull; he just goes all in, and I can’t wait to see his new film. So yeah, I’m so happy. And we were really hoping that—we worked a lot of time on the twist—so we were hoping that people didn’t see it. Maybe you watch it a second time, you could see that we give a couple of hints here and there, but not many to see it coming. So hopefully.

Q: I actually watched it twice, and you’re right – it’s one of those films that’s really great on a second watch because you can pick up on those little tidbits. It truly doesn’t make sense until you know the twist.

James DeMonaco: Exactly, right. It really is senseless in the beginning, and hopefully in a good way. But right, you know the twist, you’re like, “Oh, what the hell is happening here?” Which I don’t mind in a movie. I know some people like, “I love not knowing what’s going on for a while.” I think it’s fun. But you want it to obviously, at some point, coalesce into making some sense. But I do hope people go back again, because like you said, I think there’s enough there to start giving you hints at what’s coming, which you can’t really see on the first viewing. But hopefully that leads to a second viewing. That would be fun.

The Theatrical Experience and Pete Davidson’s Fearless Performance

Q: I’m very glad this one’s getting a theatrical release. I need to see audience’s reactions to this!

James DeMonaco: Yes! I think the people are squirming. There’s things they can’t look at, you know. And I did that on purpose because I have a fear of eyes being touched, so I definitely dove into my own fears. And then I think, I hope people are cheering at some point. I know, even when I watch it now, I have this—I guess it’s an ability to separate myself as if I have nothing to do with the film—and every time I see what’s happening in the third act, I feel like cheering, and that gives me a nice… I’m like, “Oh, it’s a horror film where I want to cheer a little.” That’s exciting. And it’s fun.

Q: Pete Davidson truly branches out in The Home, especially in that third act where he carries so much of the physical and nuanced performance. Was he always who you envisioned playing Max?

James DeMonaco: Yeah, in a way. When we wrote—so I have to give the caveat that I knew Pete when he was pre-celebrity. We grew up in the same neighborhood. So yeah, he’s another Staten Island guy, and so was Adam, my co-writer—all Staten Island guys. We live in the South Shore. And I used to hang out at a restaurant called Nucci’s, an Italian restaurant, great place, very Italian and Irish where I live in a working class [area]. And Pete was a busboy at Nucci’s. And he came over to me after the first Purge. He’d heard that, “Oh, that’s the guy who wrote The Purge movies.” And he came over—”I’m a big fan.” So he was probably 16, 17, pre-SNL. And we kind of hit it off. I think we always felt a little bit like outsiders on Staten Island because it’s a very tough, hyper-masculine place, and we always were just kind of nerdy guys. So we hit it off. I got to watch him rise and become a celebrity, but I knew him as this very soulful man.

He had some tragedy in his life when he was young. And when Adam and I were writing, we knew that, well, we felt that Pete’s experience in his youth, what happened with his dad and the trauma there, and then what Max experiences in the script, it was a mirror. And they both process their grief through art in a way, both the character and the real-life Pete. And Pete read it, and he was just in… He was like, “I could do this.” I knew we could do it. I had to convince some people at that point because they’d just seen maybe a King of Staten Island; they hadn’t seen much from him, but I knew, I knew, I knew he had it. And then I think he impressed everybody. He was working with, I would say this, like with Tony Award-winning theater actors from New York, and he just… he just fit perfectly in with them and didn’t blink an eye. He’s, he’s fearless. I wish I had his fearlessness. He’s wonderful.

Q: Max is a character who needs that fearlessness, as he’s thrown into so much. He’s layered, much like Pete is, and he’s not necessarily just a “bad guy.” He’s here because of bad choices, but his whole thing is that he isn’t his choices.

James DeMonaco: Exactly. Exactly. So it’s, yeah, it’s definitely a redemption story in a way, right? He’s made some bad choices. He’s still, he’s still probably caught in the grief from not understanding what happened to his brother, which, you know, he becomes part of the film in a way, that grieving process and where he goes with that, especially through the Norma character. So yeah, I think it’s an interesting journey, but he does have to—he’s quite courageous because I don’t think some of the choices he made, I don’t think I would make in real life. I think I’d just be running for the hills at some point. So yeah, he’s a courageous character, and Pete embodies that; he’s fearless. So there was some, it was definitely a match between character and actor. And again, Pete, I think rose up to the occasion. I remember his mom was on set one day, and I turned to her, I was doing a great scene with Bruce Altman, who’s a wonderful theater actor and film actor. And Bruce came over to me and said, “My God, this kid’s amazing.” And I turned to Pete’s mom saying, “How did he learn to do this?” And she’s like, “I have no idea. In the basement. I don’t know. He just learned on his own.” So he’s not trained; he’s just a natural. It’s amazing.

Q: It’s exciting to see him doing more, especially after his work on Saturday Night Live. He has such natural talent, and I hope The Home is a jumping-off point for even more roles, especially in the horror genre.

James DeMonaco: He’s fantastic. And he’s… no one is… he’s also a real person. What you get with Pete, even on screen, is very real. And I think sometimes there’s no facade. Pete doesn’t—there’s no pretense with him. And I think you feel that, as the audience feels that, that realness of a person and character. So he’s wonderful.

The Home promises a unique and intense cinematic experience, blending psychological depth with unexpected thrills. Be sure to catch it in theaters on July 25th and witness the squirm-inducing moments and a twist you won’t see coming.

NEXT: Natasha Lyonne Interview On Voicing Mama Poot in Smurfs

In this Smurfs interview, John Goodman, Nick Offerman, and Xolo Maridueña talk new movie, beloved characters, and Blue Beetle’s DCU future.

Get ready to feel blue in the best possible way! The beloved tiny, azure 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 incredible opportunity to catch up with some of the film’s stellar voice cast: John Goodman, who lends his iconic voice to Papa Smurf; Nick Offerman, bringing a new Smurf, Ken, to life; and Xolo Maridueña, voicing Brainy Smurf. During our conversations, they revealed what it means to them to bring these beloved characters to a whole new generation.

John Goodman discusses the pressures and honors of voicing such a well-known character like Papa Smurf, while Nick Offerman shares how fun it was to create a new Smurf with unique abilities. Xolo Maridueña dives into connecting with Brainy Smurf and even gets a little off-topic with some exciting news about Practical Magic 2 and the future of Blue Beetle!

Introducing a New Generation to the Smurfs

Mama’s Geeky: What does it mean for you to be a part of the introduction of the Smurfs for a new generation?

John Goodman: It’s actually kind of an honor to relaunch something. To be associated with it anyway, especially with all the good talent that’s in this film.

Nick Offerman: Yeah, I mean, I had Smurfs in my house when I was a kid, and to sort of re-imagine it as a… it’s a medicinal delivery system. You know, it’s good-hearted, good values for kids. And so, I can’t speak for John, but as a wrinkled, middle-aged fellow, I’m glad to be able to hopefully entertain the young people. It’s hard to get them to sit still.

Xolo Maridueña: It means the world. I’ve been blessed with getting to be a part of a couple of projects now that have brought something familiar to a new generation. And that energy has been so warm. I’ve really admired the opportunity to get to sit down with your family intergenerationally and enjoy something and get to sit in that experience. It’s a dream come true. And the Smurfs totally have it written all over their face. They’re there for everyone.

Crafting New & Familiar Smurfs

Mama’s Geeky: Now for you, Nick, you get to play a new Smurfs character. So what was it like getting to come up with your own Smurf?

Nick Offerman: It was really fun. I mean, I was tickled that they had the idea to have this sort of, you know, secret special ops force protecting the goodness of the Smurfs’ existence, centered in the city of lights, in a light fixture, in a Paris Bordello. And you know, I’m the first Smurf who can perform 17 different Kung Fu Katas.

Mama’s Geeky: And then John, for you, Papa Smurf is already so beloved, but what was it like to get to bring your own spin to him?

John Goodman: It’s a challenge because he is well-known, and I don’t know how this is gonna land. I hope it lands well, but like I say, I had a great script to go from, and that’s most of the battle right there.

Mama’s Geeky: Xolo, do you feel like you relate to Brainy Smurf at all?

Xolo Maridueña: Come on. I’m always losing my glasses. I’m like, what the heck? I can’t do anything without my glasses. I’m like, thank god my contacts have been working all day. Because if not, I’d be like, yes, well, actually it’s spilling everything. And yeah, sometimes I think I know it all too, but I definitely don’t. So Brainy and I have that in common.

What’s Your Smurf Name?

Mama’s Geeky: If you were a Smurf, what do you think your thing would be? What would be your Smurf name?

John Goodman: Sleepy, low-energy Smurf.

Nick Offerman: I would be Metric Smurf. I would want to try and induce reasonable measuring systems. Logical.

Xolo Maridueña: My Smurf name? Well, Clumsy’s already taken. So Clumsy’s already taken. I think I like maybe Stand-Up Comedian Smurf. Maybe I’d be like, But-Um-Ch Smurf. He’s just saying jokes that don’t land all the time. Good jokes to a crowd of one. I think that’s the type of Smurf I’d be.

More Than Just Smurfs

Mama’s Geeky: Xolo, I just saw a news that you joined the cast of Practical Magic 2. Tell me about it. What can you say?

Xolo Maridueña: Isn’t Practical Magic the best? Yes. Isn’t it just the best movie? I’m so excited to get to join that team. They are, we got to do a table read, and I just about spontaneously combusted because there is, the chemistry is electric with all of the cast. You have the familiar faces from the original and some new faces to really help round out the cast and to just be there in the room. I’m elated. I’m heading from here back there.

Mama’s Geeky: And you don’t have to keep it a secret anymore now. That’s going to be the hardest part.

Xolo Maridueña: I’m a blabbermouth. I’ve got a podcast every week. It’s hard for me not to talk about my life.

Mama’s Geeky: The DCU has officially kicked off in theaters now with Superman. James Gunn has said Blue Beetle is not going anywhere. But have you had any conversations? Do you know anything?

Xolo Maridueña: Yeah, yeah, yeah. James Gunn, Peter Safran, John Rickard, Galen, everyone over at the DC team has been so kind in welcoming in Blue Beetle into the DC greater universe, the DCU, whatever, like I’m so bad with labels, but they just had a really awesome release and I’m really excited that this is an awesome first step in the direction of opening up that universe and we got some animated stuff, some live action stuff, a whole bunch of areas that Blue Beetle and the greater Reyes family can join in. So I’m blessed, I’m just hoping that it needs to be with Angel Manuel Soto, you know? That’s my guy.

The Heart of the Smurfs

Mama’s Geeky: What do you hope kids take away from Smurfs? Because it is a good message.

John Goodman: It is, and it’s a good reminder to trust yourself and be able to find your identity through what you mean to others. And it’s something I forget to do all the time. And it’s a nice reminder.

Nick Offerman: I agree. I’ve loved hearing John talk about this all day. And in this time when I think companies want our young people and the rest of us to be isolated and just focused in on our devices, it’s harder to understand your worth than when you are within a community. If you’re saying, what is my thing? What is my talent? If you’re in a group of people, everyone has a gift, and you’ll come to understand what you have to offer to the group.

For more insights from the cast and behind-the-scenes fun, be sure to check out the full interview video. And don’t miss Smurfs when it arrives in theaters on July 18th!