Christina Ricci Joins Cast of 'Smurfs' Sequel

Christina Ricci is feeling a little blue.

The actress is joining the sequel to The Smurfs, Sony and Sony Pictures Animation's follow-up to the surprise 2011 hit based on the Belgian comic characters created by Peyo. The CG-live action hybrid, which was directed by Raja Gosnell, grossed $564 million worldwide. It starred Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria and featured voice performances by Alan Cumming, Katy Perry, Paul Reubens and Anton Yelchin.

Much of the cast is expected to return for the sequel, which again sees Gosnell in the director’s seat. Sony has set a release date of July 31, 2013.

Ricci will voice a new character named Vexi, an evil version of Smurfette (Perry).

The actress most recently starred in the short-lived ABC series Pan Am and will appear in the perdiod drama Bel Ami with Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman. That movie is due to open June 8.

She is repped by ICM, Management 360 and Ziffren Brittenham.