Natasha Lyonne Clarifies Her Tooth Situation Amidst 'Smurfs' Movie Role
Natasha Lyonne, the celebrated actress known for her roles in "Orange Is the New Black" and "Russian Doll," recently made a memorable appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to discuss her character in the new Smurfs movie. During the interview on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Lyonne humorously addressed the design of her character, Mama Poot, emphasizing that her own dental situation is far more complete than her animated counterpart's.
Mama Poot's Unique Design Sparks Amused Reactions
Lyonne revealed that Mama Poot, her character in the animated reboot, boasts a rather distinctive look: "a hairball with one bottom snaggle tooth, not even a top (tooth)." This revelation came as a surprise to Lyonne, who initially thought she might be voicing the iconic Smurfette, a role that ultimately went to Rihanna. The actress seized the opportunity to playfully assure everyone of her own dental health, stating, "And guys, it's not about this, but I just want to remind everyone that I have a full set of real teeth. And I'm really proud of that. Not Mama Poot, though!"
The Smurfs Premiere and Release Details
The Smurfs movie made its world premiere in Brussels on June 28, 2025, before officially hitting theaters in the United States on July 18, 2025. The film is a reboot of the classic Belgian comic series, directed by Chris Miller, aiming to introduce the beloved blue characters to a new generation.
Key Players in the New Smurfs Movie
The new animated musical film features several prominent figures:
- Natasha Lyonne: Voices Mama Poot, a crucial character in the film.
- Rihanna: Voices Smurfette and serves as a producer, contributing original songs to the soundtrack.
- Chris Miller: Director of the Smurfs reboot.
- Paramount Animation: The studio responsible for the film's production and character designs.
Mama Poot: More Than Just a Single Tooth
Despite her unconventional appearance, Mama Poot plays a significant role in the Smurfs' adventure. As Lyonne described, Mama Poot "runs some sort of underground operation involving a speedy vehicle" and is instrumental in assisting the Smurfs when Papa Smurf is kidnapped. This protective figure adds a unique dynamic to the Smurfs' world.
Lyonne's Humorous Take on Character Design
Lyonne shared an anecdote about the filmmakers showing her a picture of Mama Poot, commenting, "Isn't this charming that you guys seem so similar." Her witty response, "Yeah, no, it's definitely going to help me get dates, I'm sure," highlights her self-deprecating humor and lighthearted approach to the character's design.
Critics' Reception to the New Smurfs Film
While Lyonne's comments and Mama Poot's design have generated amusement, the Smurfs movie has received generally negative reviews from critics. As of July 19, 2025, the film holds a Metacritic score of 32 out of 100, based on 25 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews." However, audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+."
A Lighthearted "Controversy" Generates Buzz
The "controversy" surrounding Mama Poot's design is largely humorous, stemming from Lyonne's playful jabs at the character's single tooth and unique appearance. The public reaction has been one of amusement and appreciation for Lyonne's candidness and the quirky character design.
