Asterix undergoes a global overhaul, adopting a business strategy aimed at penetrating the US and Asian markets.
Bold and Brash: Netflix's New Asterix & Obelix Adventure
Hoo-bloody-ray! The legendary duo, Asterix and Obelix, known as the kings of French comics, have made a triumphant return to our screens with a fresh, animated adaptation available on Netflix. This groundbreaking move marks the first time the indomitable village fights off Romans from a global streaming platform, hoping to conquer territories previously untouched by these intrepid Gauls.
Netflix rolled out a five-episode miniseries, based on the classic 1966 comic album, "Asterix and the Big Fight," on Wednesday. This epic journey is accessible in 190 countries, with 38 language options including Mandarin, Arabic, and Korean. The series is led by director Alain Chabat, a key figure in the audiovisual universe of Asterix for his stellar adaptation, "Mission Cleopatra" (2002).
Céline Surugue, director of Les Éditions Albert René, believes that Netflix's truly universal reach will aid in positioning the Gallic heroes in historically inaccessible markets such as the United States and Asia. With Marvel, Disney, and other franchises dominating these regions, the stage is set for a fascinating battle between the old-school Gauls and the new-age superheroes.
In an official statement, Netflix highlighted the symbolic importance of Chabat's return to the saga. The production, managed by Alain Goldman (Legende Films), also benefits from a long-standing agreement between the platform and Les Éditions Albert René.
The new series follows a rich tradition of films and animations, including "Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom" (2023), starring big names like Marion Cotillard and Vincent Cassel. Despite negative reviews, Netflix remains confident in the indomitable Gauls.
Are you ready to witness the resistance in comic key? Set in 50 BC, "The Big Fight" presents the village facing an unusual threat: a duel between tribal chiefs, with the Romans manipulating the outcome to subjugate the Gauls. The disappearance of the magic potion, the source of Obelix and his neighbors’ superhuman strength, adds tension to a plot filled with humor, social criticism, and history.
"I like this story for the complexity of the links between invaders, collaborators, and resistors," commented Chabat during the series promotion. This approach aims to preserve the satirical spirit of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo while adapting to contemporary audiovisual language.
Since its creation in 1959, Asterix has sold over 400 million copies worldwide, with translations in more than 100 languages. The new technological tools in animation enable an unprecedented precision in dubbing, enabling fans to enjoy the series in their native language without relying on subtitles. This breakthrough overcomes cultural barriers, potentially increasing the series’ global reach and adding another feather to Netflix’s cap.
As the animated series hits our screens, the release of the 41st album in the saga, "Asterix in Lusitania," set in present-day Portugal and scheduled for October, is just around the corner. The publication will be released in 18 languages, confirming that the Asterix universe continues to expand, both in digital media and in print.
For Netflix, which has already managed to internationalize French series like Lupin and Dix pour cent (Ten percent, its Spanish title), this new collaboration represents another step in its strategy of diversifying content. And for followers of the Gallic heroes, it offers the opportunity to rediscover them in a modern format without compromising their rebellious spirit.
- The French comics duo, Asterix and Obelix, are making their debut on Netflix in a new animated adaptation, marking their first global streaming appearance.
- In 2023, two renowned French actors, Marion Cotillard and Vincent Cassel, will star in the movie "Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom."
- With the new Asterix & Obelix animated series, Netflix aims to expand the reach of the Gallic heroes to previously untapped markets, such as the United States and Asia.
- The five-episode miniseries is available in 190 countries, with dubbing in 38 languages including Mandarin, Arabic, and Korean.
- Netflix continues to diversify its content by collaborating with French media companies for adaptations, such as the latest Asterix & Obelix animated series and the popular French series Lupin and Dix pour cent (Ten percent).
