Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008)
More than just a game

Asterix at the Olympic Games (Astérix aux Jeux olympiques) is a 2008 Franco-German-Spanish-Italian film directed by Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann. Inspired by the comic book of the same name by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, the movie premiered in France on January 30, 2008, and was distributed in over 60 countries, making its way onto more than 6,000 screens across Europe. It is the third live-action adaptation of Asterix’s adventures, following Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. The story follows Asterix and Obelix as they compete against Brutus, the son of Julius Caesar, in the Olympic Games to help their friend Alafolix marry Princess Irina.
Synopsis
In a small Gaulish village, a poet named Lovesix sends a love poem to Princess Irina of Greece, who shares his feelings. To meet her, he disguises himself as a servant and sneaks into her palace, only to discover that her father, King Samagas, has promised her hand in marriage to Brutus, the son of Julius Caesar. Brutus arrives at the palace with an extravagant gift—a statue of himself with Irina—but Lovesix reveals his true identity and vows to win her love by competing in the Olympic Games. Irina agrees to marry the winner, forcing the king to accept the terms.
Meanwhile, Asterix and Obelix encounter a Roman athlete, Claudius Cornedurus, training for the games. They intimidate him with their superhuman abilities, powered by a magic potion. Back in Rome, Brutus convinces Caesar to let him participate in the games, despite his ulterior motives to assassinate his father. At the Gaulish village, Lovesix announces his intent to join the competition. Asterix points out that their village, being part of conquered Gaul, qualifies as a Roman province, allowing them to compete. The Gauls set off for Olympia with Asterix, Obelix,Getafix, and Cacofonix in tow.
The Olympic events unfold with comic chaos. Brutus uses underhanded tactics, including doping, to secure victories. The Gauls, caught using their magic potion, are disqualified. Undeterred, Asterix strategizes to win without the potion. Despite Brutus’s further scheming, the final chariot race decides the outcome. Lovesix wins with Asterix’s help, exposing Brutus’s cheating. Ultimately, Julius Caesar declares the Gauls the victors, allowing Lovesix to marry Irina. A festive celebration ensues, but Brutus faces his comeuppance, reduced to slavery aboard Caesar’s galley.
Background
Unlike the comic, the movie introduces a romantic subplot and Brutus’s conspiracy against Caesar, elements absent from the original story. In the comic, the Gauls’ participation stems from a Roman centurion’s visit to their village and concerns over their intimidating strength. The themes of doping and sportsmanship remain consistent between both versions, though the comic focuses more on athletic rivalries.
This third installment faced notable production challenges. Originally planned as an adaptation of Asterix in Spain, the project shifted due to creator Albert Uderzo’s preferences. Christian Clavier, the previous Asterix actor, initially declined to reprise his role, leading to Clovis Cornillac stepping in. The movie, with a budget of €78 million, became one of France’s most expensive films. Its ensemble cast included stars like Gérard Depardieu as Obelix, Benoît Poelvoorde as Brutus, and Alain Delon as Julius Caesar. High-profile cameos included Michael Schumacher and Zinédine Zidane.



Interesting Facts
- Sports References: Brutus’s doping potion is humorously named EPO (Elixir Pour Olympie), alluding to real-world doping scandals.
- Historical References: Brutus’s horse, Bucéphale, is named after Alexander the Great’s steed. Caesar’s speech includes nods to Alain Delon’s filmography and Winston Churchill’s famous wartime address.
- Production Trivia: The film was shot in Morocco, Tunisia, France, and Spain. Despite its high budget, production faced controversies, including actor demands for luxury accommodations and judicial investigations related to the set.
Film Details
- Directed by: Frédéric Forestier, Thomas Langmann
- Screenplay by: Alexandre Charlot, Thomas Langmann, Frank Magnier
- Based on: Asterix at the Olympic Games by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
- Produced by: Thomas Langmann, Jérôme Seydoux
- Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Clovis Cornillac, Benoît Poelvoorde, Alain Delon, Vanessa Hessler
- Release Date: January 30, 2008 (France)
- Budget: €78 million
The movie may have deviated from the comic’s storyline, but its blend of humor, action, and star-studded performances brought a fresh take to Asterix’s adventures.