After a musical hiatus, Rihanna is making a vibrant comeback, lending her voice to Smurfette in the upcoming animated film The Smurfs Movie and releasing a new track titled “Friend of Mine.”
The song, characterized by its Afrobeats-inspired rhythm, is set to be part of the movie’s soundtrack and will be available for fans on Friday, May 16.
In addition to voicing the iconic Smurfette, Rihanna takes on the role of executive producer for the film, contributing original songs to its musical lineup.
The movie, directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Matt Landon, features a star-studded cast including John Goodman as Papa Smurf, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, Nick Kroll, Xolo Maridueña, and James Corden.
Scheduled for release on July 18, 2025, the film follows the Smurfs on a mission into the real world, led by Smurfette, to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel.
Rihanna’s involvement in The Smurfs Movie marks her return to the big screen and the music scene.
Her last album, Anti, was released in 2016, and since then, she has focused on her entrepreneurial ventures, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
In 2022, she released “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Rihanna recently announced her third pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky at the 2025 Met Gala.
The couple, who began dating in 2019, are already parents to two sons, RZA and Riot Rose.
Rihanna’s maternity fashion has also garnered attention, with her bold and stylish outfits redefining pregnancy attire.
