All you need to know about Netflix's Asterix and Obelix The Big Fight series and Shrek connection
A new comedy series based on a beloved character and suitable for the whole family is coming to Netflix.
Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is streaming from April 30 and is the latest adaptation of the beloved French comic book series. Across dozens of publications, these stories follow plucky Gaul Asterix along with his best friend Obelix and the rest of their village.
They are the last remaining holdouts to the Rome Empire. thanks in large part to a magic potion that enhances their strength immediately after drinking. Obelix fell into this potion as a child and so is boosted by its effects permanently. All this helps their village keep the forces of Julius Caesar's Roman Republic Army in a nonhistorical telling of the time after the Gallic Wars at bay.
But what is this new Netflix series about exactly? When is it streaming and what is its connection with animated classic Shrek? Here's everything you need to know.
What is Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight about?
According to Netflix's Tudum website, the series is set In the midst of the first millennium, with Rome desperate to conquer the last independent village in Gaul. This is the home of Astérix and Obélix.
The secret to the their battle superiority is the previously mentioned magic potion. This is made by the druid Getafix but when he is struck down by amnesia and can no longer remember the recipe, the villagers are left to their own devices against the might of the Romans. It is up to Asterix, Obelix and the rest of the Gauls to find new ways to keep the Roman conquerors at bay.
According to a list on IMDB, there is expected to be around five episodes. They will all release on the same day of April 30.
Is The Big Fight based on one of the Asterix books?
Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is indeed based on one of the original books or volumes written by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. So far, it looks like it will be a pretty faithful adaptation.
It's based on the seventh volume from 1964, which carried the same title in its English publication. In some regions, it was called The Battle of the Chieftans. In addition to the story details above, the Romans conspire with a Roman-friendly Gaulish village to declare a ritual winner-takes-all fight between village chiefs. They see this is an opportunity to finally take control of Asterix's village and the fight parodies professional boxing.
By far from the first Asterix adaptation for the screen, there have been eight animated feature films, at least two CGI centric movies and even six live-action films. One of these includes a the Netflix film, Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom released in 2023.
What is the connection to Shrek?
This new Netflix series has a perhaps surprising connection to animated classic Shrek. The French production is directed by actor and filmmaker Alain Chabat. He also provides the voice of Asterix in the original French language version.
His previous credits also include appearing opposite Ben Stiller in Night at the Museum 2 as Napoleon Bonaparte. Interestingly though, he provides the voice of the French dubbed version of Shrek across all four major films, replacing Mike Myers.
Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is streaming on Netflix April 30.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly warns of scammers using AI to recreate voice and likeness to extort fans
Earlier this year, a scammer tricked a French woman into believing she was dating Brad Pitt, before persuading her to part with almost £700,000 using AI images and videos. Sir Billy Connolly has warned online scammers are using AI to recreate his voice and likeness to extort his fans. Thecomedy legend said he had become aware of multiple accounts impersonating him on social media. Fans who follow the comedian's official Facebook page have been sent messages by bogus accounts pretending to be Connolly. They are encouraged to move the conversation over to a private messaging app before being asked to send money to secure merchandise or a meeting with Connolly. The Glasgow comic said his Facebook page is his only active social media account and warned that scammers can use AI to convince people they are in touch with him. In a statement issued on his official website, Connolly, 82, said: 'Dear friends, I have learned that, unfortunately, online scam artists are targeting my fans. They are impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging. "For the protection of all my fans and supporters, please be aware of the following – I NEVER interact directly with fans or supporters and would never suggest they direct message me, meet me, send me money or purchase goods directly. 'My wife Pamela is also being impersonated but please be aware that neither she nor any of my children have public social media accounts or pages.' Earlier this year, a scammer tricked a French woman into believing she was dating Brad Pitt, before persuading her to part with almost £700,000 using AI images and videos.
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dame Helen Mirren: I am such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy
The Oscar-winning actress told Saga Magazine: 'I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. 'James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.' Dame Helen Mirren stars in the new Thursday Murder Club film (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Dame Helen, 80, stars alongside former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan in the new Thursday Murder Club film, a cosy crime drama adapted from the best-selling book by game show host Richard Osman. Brosnan, 72, agreed with the actress about the next portrayal of Bond and told the magazine: 'Oh, I think it has to be a man.' He added: 'I wish (Amazon) them well. I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. 'I adore the world of James Bond. It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving. 'And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do'.' Dame Helen previously told the Standard that 'the whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism' and added: 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been.' In the forthcoming Thursday Murder Club film, the veteran actress plays a retired spy, who is also the founder and leader of the club. Speaking about her character Elizabeth, she told Saga: 'So many women have worked in that world. She's a manifestation of a reality, that's for sure.' Pierce Brosnan and Dame Helen Mirren on the cover of Saga Magazine (Saga Magazine/Giles Keyte/Netflix/PA) Asked if she is a better portrayal of a spy than Bond, Dame Helen said: 'More realistic. But not so much fun as Bond!' She added: 'The great thing about a movie like this is that it reminds everyone, as an older person I have a brain, I have agency, energy, commitment, passion and intellect. It doesn't all stop when you're 40.' Brosnan said the movie, directed by Harry Potter director Chris Columbus, would also appeal to anyone who likes the film series about wizardry and added: 'This is like a Harry Potter retirement home.' The film, which lands on Netflix on August 28, follows a crime-busting group of retirees, played by Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen, Mamma Mia! star Brosnan, Calendar Girls actress Celia Imrie and Gandhi star Sir Ben Kingsley. You can read the full interview in Saga Magazine's September issue.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Former James Bond Pierce Brosnan joins co-star Helen Mirren's calls to ensure new 007 is a man following fears the iconic franchise was being taken over by 'woke' Hollywood
Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has joined Helen Mirren 's calls for the new 007 to be male, following Amazon's £770M takeover of the iconic franchise. The actor, 72, who starred as the secret agent between in four films 1995 to 2002, said he was excited to see the 'next man' that will replace Daniel Craig. Meanwhile Helen, 80, who appears alongside him in the new Netflix mystery The Thursday Murder Club, said Bond could never be a woman. She told SAGA: 'I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else.' While Pierce said: 'I'm so excited to see the next man come on the stage and to see a whole new exuberance and life for this character. I adore the world of James Bond '. 'It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving. And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying: 'Show us what you're going to do'. Oscar winning Helen previously slammed the James Bond franchise, despite her deep admiration for the actors who have played the character. She told The Standard earlier this year:'I have to say I was never a great ward [of Bond], I'm a huge fan of Pierce Brosnan '. 'He also happens to be one of the nicest people you'll ever have the pleasure to work with,' she continued. 'And indeed Daniel Craig, who I've met and know a little bit. Again, a very lovely gracious person.' But while she holds Pierce and Daniel in high regard, Helen has little affection for the Bond franchise itself. 'The whole series of James Bond was actually not my thing, It really wasn't. I never liked James Bond. I never liked the way women were in James Bond.' She also said she was 'opposed' to a female 007: 'The whole concept of James Bond is drenched and born out of profound sexism.' Helen went on to insist espionage stories centered on real-life women deserve the spotlight. 'Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service, they always have been,' she explained. 'And very brave. If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they're amazingly, unbelievably courageous. 'So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who've worked in that world.' It comes following The Mail On Sunday's reporting that 007 will remain a man and will still be British or from the Commonwealth. Fans of 007 feared Amazon Studios – owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos – would corrupt the British super spy after buying the Bond franchise and rights for £770 million from Bond stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson. But a source said: 'There have been so many erroneous rumours about the future of Bond. Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.' Ms Broccoli and Mr Wilson have fiercely protected the image of the British hero since taking over Eon Productions, the UK company behind previous Bond films, in 1995. Ms Broccoli is said to have insisted on Bond remaining British before agreeing to sell. Eon was founded by her father and Mr Wilson's stepfather, Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli, who bought the film rights to the martini-sipping, womanising spy from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961. There have since been 25 Bond films, starting with 1962's Dr No. But last month Ms Broccoli, 64, and Mr Wilson, 83, announced they had sold all creative rights to Amazon, headed by bald-headed Mr Bezos, who some fans compare to a Bond villain. Fans complained Amazon's plans to develop spin-off shows including one focusing on the early days of 007's secretary Miss Moneypenny would ruin the franchise. And they feared Amazon would try to 'wokeify' Bond. But last night an Amazon insider said: 'Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he's excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct. That's why the memo went out this week, to reassure everyone. 'But certain things are up for discussion, like whether the next Bond should be played by a man of colour.' The last Bond film was 2021's No Time To Die, starring Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux.
