It’s absolutely mind-numbing how much press The Smurfs movie is getting based solely on the fact that Hank Azaria is playing the evil sorcerer Gargamel, but it’s true. I’m sure many are surprised at how many times the live-action/CGI hybrid movie has been popping up in the news, and surely no one is happier than the producers.

The latest bit comes from someone in New York City (via /Film) who was able to catch some of the movie being filmed on their cell phone. The scenes they were filming involve Gargamel outside of the famed toy store FAO Schwartz looking for the Smurfs. There’s also a sequence where in bumps into fellow star Neil Patrick Harris as he exits a store.

Be sure to head on over to the other side to see both of these videos. Whether you’re excited for the movie or not, they should help you to solidify your stance on the final product and whether or not you want to see it.

Very few people are excited about the prospect of a live-action/CGI hybrid movie based on the animated childhood favorite, The Smurfs. Even so, when it was announced that fan-favorite Hank Azaria would be playing the evil Gargamel, you couldn’t help but giggle a little at the thought.

Now comes the very first image of Mr. Azaria in full Gargamel makeup and attire by way of Splash News (via ComingSoon), and fans of the old cartoon and this casting choice will surely enjoy taking a peek at how the actor looks.

Brew your favorite potion, say the magic words, and slip over to the bottom of this post to see Hank Azaria as Gargamel in The Smurfs!

Entertainment Weekly has learned of some new names that have been cast in the upcoming live-action/CGI hybrid adaptation of the animated television series, The Smurfs.

The most amusing of these is Hank Azaria, who has been cast in the role of the evil Sorcerer, Gargamel. Initially, reports indicated that Azaria would be simply voicing the role, which seemed strange for a human character in a partially live-action film; but co-star Neil Patrick Harris confirmed via his Twitter account that the role would in fact be live and in the flesh.