I found the above titled page here.

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FROM DAILY VARIETY:

'Warner Bros. has just announced a big screen version of "Smurfs," the popular cartoon about little blue people and their fantastical civilization. Scripted by Smurf creator Peyo shortly before his death in 1992, and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film promises to be one of 2001's most expensive Summer films. A partial cast listing has been obtained, with Sir Richard Attenborough playing Papa Smurf, Nicole Kidman as Smurfette, Kevin Spacey as Brainy, Nicholas Cage as Handy, and Robert DeNiro playing the evil wizard Gargamel. Using digital effects, the actors playing Smurfs will be shrunk to to appear two inches tall.

An executive at Warner Bros. had this to say about the popular children's cartoon: 'It really is so much more than a kids' show. It represents the ideal notion of Utopia and multiculturalism, where these little blue creatures interact with one another and with nature in a positive, enlightening manner. I guess you could say it is somewhat of a Marxist concept, with no Smurf being superior to any other, and with everyone pitching in with labor and happy bartering.' He was quick to add, 'this isn't going to be an overtly political film, but it will be sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy.'

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