Nick Offerman Brings Deadpan Humor to the New "Smurfs" Movie

A New Role for the "Parks and Recreation" Star

Actor Nick Offerman, renowned for his deadpan delivery, steps into the animated realm as Ken, the brother of Papa Smurf, in the eagerly anticipated "Smurfs" movie, set to hit theaters on July 18. Offerman, best known for his role in "Parks and Recreation," shared insights into how his unique comedic timing was shaped during his childhood.

The Origins of Deadpan Comedy

Reflecting on his early experiences, Offerman recounted, "When I was a kid in the Catholic church, we had to do the readings of the gospel. I learned that if I infused my delivery with gravitas, the congregation would be moved. But if I turned it up just a notch, my cousins would laugh. That was where I discovered deadpan."

In a shift from traditional recording methods, Offerman recorded his voice work separately from co-star John Goodman, who voices Papa Smurf. This modern approach to animation became more prevalent following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recording from Afar

Offerman explained, "I was shooting a show in Budapest last year, so I recorded several of my sessions from a studio there. John was recording from London and New Orleans. Eventually, we hear each other when all the recordings come together."

Themes of Community and Belonging

Beyond the humor, Offerman found profound meaning in the film’s central theme of community and belonging. He elaborated, "What I love most about it is that the no-name smurf is on a quest to discover his place in the world. The message emphasizes that diversity is essential for a strong community, family, or village of smurfs."

The Power of Connection

Offerman emphasized that self-discovery is rooted in connections with others rather than isolation. "You don’t learn what your special talent is by staring at your phone or looking in the mirror," he stated. "You learn from your community. They will tell you what they need from you, and that’s how you discover your power."

Conclusion

The "Smurfs" movie, distributed by Paramount Pictures, promises to deliver both humor and heartfelt messages about community. With Offerman’s distinctive voice and comedic style, audiences can look forward to an engaging cinematic experience.

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About the Author

Analisa Novak is a content producer for CBS News and the Emmy Award-winning "CBS Mornings." Based in Chicago, she specializes in covering live events and exclusive interviews. A United States Army veteran, Novak holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from Quinnipiac University.