Asterix and the Vikings

Asterix and the Vikings

Company type	Animated film
Industry	Animation, Film
Founded	2006
Products	Animated adventure feature film

Asterix and the Vikings (French: Astérix et les Vikings; Danish: Asterix og Vikingerne) is a 2006 animated adventure feature inspired by the French comic series Asterix. The screenplay was crafted by Stefan Fjeldmark and Jean-Luc Goossens, with direction by Fjeldmark alongside Jesper Møller. This film offers a loose adaptation of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo's comic Asterix and the Normans. The narrative centers on Asterix and Obelix as they prepare their chief’s nephew, who is subsequently abducted by Vikings in search of a "Champion of Fear."

The principal voice actors include Roger Carel and Jacques Frantz portraying Asterix and Obelix, respectively, while the English-language version features Paul Giamatti and Brad Garrett in leading roles. Distinct from most Asterix adaptations, this film was produced initially in English with American voice talent. The adaptation incorporates fresh characters, contemporary anachronisms, and covers of popular songs like "Get Down on It," "Eye of the Tiger," and "Super Freak."

Plot

Following a sequence of successful raids that leave a Viking clan without challengers, advisor Cryptograf persuades chief Timandahaf that securing a "Champion of Fear" is essential for their invincibility. During their journey to Gaul, Timandahaf reluctantly consents to his daughter Abba accompanying them disguised as a male.

In the Gaulish settlement, chief Vitalstatistix’s nephew Justforkix arrives intending to train as a warrior but exhibits pacifist behavior and declines the magic strength potion. When Vikings seize Justforkix—whom they believe to be the Champion—Asterix and Obelix embark on a mission to rescue him in Norway. Justforkix develops feelings for Abba and initially resists leaving.

Cryptograf orchestrates a staged flying test to deceive the Vikings into accepting Justforkix as their Champion; however, Asterix and Obelix intervene before his coerced marriage to Olaf, Cryptograf's son. Later, Justforkix secretly consumes the magic potion and returns to rescue Abba utilizing an improvised hang-glider.

Once their ruse is uncovered, Cryptograf and Olaf face rejection as the Vikings return to Gaul for the wedding of Justforkix and Abba. When bard Cacofonix performs, genuine fear causes the Vikings to flee. Getafix clarifies that true bravery involves conquering fear itself.

Cast

Character		English (Original Dub)	French Dub
English (Original Dub)	French Dub
Justforkix	Goudurix	Sean Astin	Lorànt Deutsch
Obelix	Obélix	Brad Garrett	Jacques Frantz
Asterix	Astérix	Paul Giamatti	Roger Carel
Abba		Evan Rachel Wood	Sara Forestier
Olaf		Diedrich Bader	Michel Vigné
Unhygienix	Ordralfabétix		Bernard Métraux
Dogmatix	Idéfix	Dee B. Baker	Roger Carel
SMS Pigeon	SMS		Barbara Tissier
Getafix	Panoramix	Jeff Bennett	Vania Vilers
Narrator	Le narrateur		Pierre Tchernia
Doublehelix	Océanonix	Corey Burton	Luc Florian
Impedimenta	Bonemine	Grey DeLisle	Marion Game
Fulliautomatix	Cétautomatix	John DeMita	Pascal Renwick
Nescaf			Philippe Catoire
Timandahaf	Grossebaf	John DiMaggio	Marc Alfos
Fotograf	Télégraf	Jack Fletcher	Bruno Dubernat
Pirate Captain	Le capitaine des pirates		Unknown
Caraf			Patrick Borg
Cacofonix	Assuracetourix	Jess Harnell	Bernard Alane
Vitalstatistix	Abraracourcix	Daran Norris	Vincent Grass
Cryptograf		Greg Proops	Pierre Palmade
Dubbledekabus	Abribus	Dwight Schultz	Roland Timsit
Vikea	Vikéa	April Winchell	-	Geriatrix	Agecanonix	Philip Proctor	Gérard Surugue	-	Viking Boys	Garçon vikings	Jill Talley	Jules Azem	-	Victor Naudet	-	Oleaginus	Olibrius	Jonathan Nichols (Olibrius)	Stéphane Fourreau	-	Pirate Lookout	La vigie des pirates	David Rasner	Med Hondo	-	Gauls	Les gaulois	Philip Proctor	Stevens Thuilier	-	Jonathan Nichols	Estelle Simon

Reception

The critical reception of Asterix and the Vikings was varied, with commendations directed at the quality of the animation and voice performances, while the screenplay faced notable criticism.

Box office

• In the Netherlands, the movie earned around Euro 361,747. It was released under the Dutch title "Asterix en de Vikingen".