‘The Smurfs 2′ adds Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry and others to its voice cast

July 31, 2013 is the slated release date for the sequel to last year’s live-action adaptation of The Smurfs.

As of now, the entire cast that lent their voices to the Smurf characters in the first film are returning for the sequel, and some additional big names are throwing their names on to the cast list as well. Collider claims that talented actors like Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria, and Katy Perry will be joined by Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges), Christina Ricci (Black Snake Moan), and J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm).

The Hollywood Reporter explains what characters the three actors will play in the sequel. Ricci will voice Vexy, Smurfette’s (Perry) evil counterpart. Smoove will voice a character that will be introduced in the sequel named Hackus who is supposed to be much naughtier than the other Smurfs. Given Smoove’s film roles and writing credits, ‘naughty’ is definitely a fitting character attribute. Gleeson will be the only of the three new additions to provide himself as a physical actor. He will portray Victor Doyle, Harris’ character’s stepfather.

The Smurfs director Raja Gosnell is set to return for the sequel and the returning voices include; Sofia Vergara, Jonathan Winters, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin and John Oliver.

Source: Celebrity Cafe