Two weeks ago, we reported that Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation commenced production on The Smurfs 2, which is set for release July 31, 2013. Today, Columbia Pictures has hired writers Karey Kirkpatrick and Chris Poche (Over The Hedge) to begin working on the script for The Smurfs 3.

Jordan Kerner, who produced The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, is on board for the new sequel. It isn't known yet if Raja Gosnell will return to direct the third installment.

The Smurfs 2 is bringing back live-action cast members Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofía Vergara, and Hank Azaria, with voice actors Katy Perry (Smurfette), Jonathan Winters (Papa Smurf), Alan Cumming (Gutsy), Fred Armisen (Brainy), George Lopez (Grouchy), Anton Yelchin (Clumsy), and John Oliver (Vanity Smurf) also returning. It is too early to tell if they will all reprise their roles for The Smurfs 3.