Asterix at the Olympic Games (film)

Asterix at the Olympic Games

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2008
Key people	Frédéric Forestier, Thomas Langmann (co-directors and producers)
Products	Fantasy comedy film

Asterix at the Olympic Games () is a 2008 fantasy comedy film co-directed by Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann. The screenplay was crafted by Langmann alongside Alexandre Charlot and Frank Magnier. This production draws from the characters created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo in their Astérix comic series and represents the third live-action adaptation in the Asterix film franchise, succeeding Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002).

At the time of its debut, it held the distinction of being the priciest French and non-English-language movie ever made, with a production budget reaching $113.5 million. Although it faced unfavorable reviews from critics, it achieved significant commercial success across European markets, securing top box office positions in countries such as Poland, Spain, and France, and accumulating a global gross of $133 million. The cast includes Gérard Depardieu reprising his role as Obelix, while Clovis Cornillac assumes the role of Asterix, replacing Christian Clavier. Notably, this film features the final screen appearances of actors Alain Delon, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and Sim.

Plot

Astérix and Obélix embark on a mission to triumph at the Ancient Olympic Games held in Greece to support their friend Lovesix’s quest to wed the Greek princess Irina. Meanwhile, Brutus employs various schemes to ensure his team's victory and to eliminate his father, Julius Caesar.

The storyline loosely adapts the Asterix at the Olympic Games comic book. The romantic subplot involving Lovesix and Irina is an original addition for this film. The character Brutus serves as the principal antagonist portrayed with comedic villainy, despite not appearing in the original comic.

Cast

The movie includes cameo appearances such as Adriana Karembeu playing Mrs Geriatrix and Jamel Debbouze returning as Numerobis. Italian actor Enrico Brignano features as a news reporter.

Several renowned sports figures appear in the film, including Michael Schumacher (as Schumix), Jean Todt, Zinedine Zidane, Tony Parker, and Amélie Mauresmo. Wrestler Nathan Jones portrays Humungus. The character Claudius Cornedurus (Gluteus Maximus), embodied by Jérôme Le Banner, was initially intended for Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Filming

Principal photography spanned six months in Alicante, Spain, with portions shot at Ciudad de la Luz studios.

Box office

During its opening weekend in France, the film earned $23.4 million, representing more than 60% of its total gross across 19 international markets. Box Office Mojo reported that revenue reached approximately $38.7 million within the first week after release.