JP Karliak, Genderqueer Star, Brings New Life to Gargamel in 'Smurfs'

The world of animation has taken a progressive step with the release of the latest Smurfs film, featuring genderqueer actor JP Karliak in the dual roles of Gargamel and Razamel. Karliak, known for their advocacy and distinguished voice work across major franchises, has become the first openly genderqueer performer to voice the infamous Smurfs villain, Gargamel, and his brother in a wide-release animated feature .

Karliak’s route to the role was as unconventional as it was inspiring. Initially brought in for a table read alongside other voice actors, Karliak’s talent quickly caught the attention of the creative team. “The whole time I’m thinking, I love that they love what I’m doing, but they’ll give me something like Smackity Smurf in the back row and I’ll have like two lines,” Karliak recounted in a recent interview . However, when the team needed a placeholder for Gargamel during a recording session, Karliak delivered a performance so compelling that producers immediately offered them both villainous roles.

Karliak’s casting arrives at a time when calls for greater LGBTQ+ representation in media are more vocal than ever. As an outspoken queer activist, Karliak has not only brought their immense skill to the project but also their lived experience and advocacy, fostering a sense of authenticity and pride within the LGBTQ+ community . Their presence in a mainstream animated blockbuster marks a significant milestone, reminding audiences and industry insiders alike of the importance of inclusive casting.

The actor’s interpretation of Gargamel taps into the character’s long history of being “queer-coded”—a term used to describe characters written with traits or aesthetics that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences, often without explicit confirmation. Karliak’s performance brings depth and nuance to the role, while their public identity as genderqueer ensures that the representation is not merely symbolic but lived and celebrated .

The response from LGBTQ+ communities and media outlets has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the casting as a move toward normalizing gender diversity in family entertainment, encouraging young viewers to see themselves reflected in beloved stories. “It’s about visibility, it’s about breaking molds, and it’s about bringing authenticity to the screen,” said one commentator on a popular queer film forum .

Karliak’s own advocacy shines through in their work. In interviews, they have spoken about the importance of aromantic and asexual representation, drawing attention to how the Smurfs themselves can be interpreted as existing outside traditional romantic frameworks—a perspective that resonates with many within the LGBTQ+ spectrum .

The 2025 Smurfs film, produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and premiering in Brussels before its U.S. release, has received praise for its vibrant animation and fidelity to Peyo’s original comics . With Karliak’s dual performance at its heart, the movie not only entertains but also stands as a testament to the progress being made in the entertainment industry towards greater inclusivity.

For many, JP Karliak’s role as Gargamel is more than a casting decision—it’s a meaningful stride toward a future where LGBTQ+ people are celebrated both on screen and behind the microphone.