Hank Azaria Cast as Gargamel in ‘Smurfs’

Hank Azaria has joined the cast of The Smurfs as Gargamel, the evil sorcerer and arch-nemesis of the blue creatures.

Entertainment Weekly reports the news, but seems to be confused about his involvement.  According to Neil Patrick Harris, who stars in the movie as a lovable ally to the Smurfs, Azaria won’t be voicing an animated character but acting in the movie.

Azaria, who is best known for providing the voices of Moe the Bartender and Apu on “The Simpsons,” recently played the “villain” in Couples Retreat and Night at the Museum 2.

Whew, we dodged a bullet there.  For a minute there, I thought this was going to be an unwatchable CGI/live-action hybrid about a who-cares children’s cartoon.  But Hank Azaria is on board?  That changes everything!  Oh wait, no.  This will still be awful.

Raja Gosnell (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Scooby Doo) is directing.  Need I say more?

Katy Perry has been confirmed as the voice of Smurfette, Jonathan Winters is voicing Papa Smurf, Alan Cummings plays “Gutsy Smurf,” and George Lopez is “Grouchy Smurf.”  Jayma Mays, the redheaded counselor on “Glee,” plays the pregnant wife of NPH’s character.