Netflix has announced that it is partnering with Hachette’s Les Editions Albert René to create the first-ever animated limited series based on the timeless classic The Adventures of Asterix. Renowned French auteur and playwright Alain Chabat will direct, and Alain Goldman (Legende Films) will produce. It should be noted that Chabat wrote and directed 2002’s Mission Cléopâtre,’ the most successful of Asterix’s numerous appearances on screen and the third highest-grossing feature film in French history. The series will debut in 2023.
“I’m French Canadian, and like most francophones around the world, I grew up with Asterix, his sidekick Obelix and loyal companion Dogmatix. I watched the animated specials and read the books religiously. If you’d told the 8-year-old me that one day I’d help bring these characters to life… I wouldn’t have believed you!” Dominique Bazay Director of Original Animation at Netflix commented.




Bazay said the series will be adapted from one of the classic volumes, Asterix and the Big Fight, where the Romans, after being constantly embarrassed by Asterix and his village cohorts, organize a brawl between rival Gaulish chiefs and try to fix the result by kidnapping a druid along with his much-needed magic potion. I’m not giving anything away when I tell you, it doesn’t go as planned.
Since the first Asterix graphic novel was introduced in 1961, 38 volumes have been released in 111 languages and dialects, with the 39th due later this year. (And there have also been 15 feature films dating back to 1967.) These stories tell the saga of the pugnacious warrior and his irreverent village companions who keep a tiny corner of ancient Gaul free from bumbling Roman invaders. Each new volume and movie is eagerly awaited by fans, especially in France, Italy, Germany and Canada. I’ve always felt the unique tone of Goscinny and Uderzo’s humor is timeless. Bazay said it’s why Asterix is so special – it appeals to all ages and crosses all borders.

Photo courtesy of Netflix