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Asterix Conquers America (1994)

Asterix conquers America

Asterix Conquers America, released in France as Astérix et les Indiens, is a 1994 German animated film directed by Gerhard Hahn. Co-produced by Hahn and Jürgen Wohlrabe, it marks a significant departure from previous Asterix adaptations as the first to be produced outside of France.

The film is loosely based on the classic Asterix album Asterix and the Great Crossing and was the first Asterix movie to be made in English. The story follows Asterix and Obelix as they embark on a daring transatlantic adventure to rescue their druid, Getafix, who has been transported to the edge of the known world by the Romans. Their mission is critical: without Getafix and his magic potion, their village cannot stand against Roman invasion.

A Grand Adventure Across the Seas

In this tale, Caesar grows frustrated with the continued resistance of the Gauls and devises a bold plan to strip them of their strength. He orders his loyal patrician, Lucullus, to kidnap the village druid Getafix and send him beyond the edge of the world. While the Gauls initially celebrate another victory over the Romans, their joy is short-lived as they discover the Romans’ plot. Asterix and Obelix take to the seas in pursuit of their druid, embarking on a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, they face fierce storms, Roman galleys, and unexpected new friends—including a tribe of Native Americans who introduce them to the wonders of the New World.

Synopsis of the Plot

The story begins with Julius Caesar devising a plan to weaken the indomitable Gauls by depriving them of their magic potion. His trusted patrician, Lucullus, successfully kidnaps Getafix, disguising himself as a druid to gain the villagers’ trust. With Dogmatix as his companion, Getafix is whisked away across the Atlantic. Asterix and Obelix, fishing at the time, witness the abduction and immediately set off in pursuit. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including a violent storm that nearly costs them their lives. With the help of a friendly dolphin, they track the Romans to the shores of North America, which they initially believe to be the edge of the world.

Upon arrival, Asterix is captured by a local Native American tribe and reunited with Getafix, who has been taken in by the tribe after being launched ashore by the Romans. Meanwhile, Obelix’s hunting exploits lead to a chance encounter with the chief’s daughter, Minihooha. Obelix’s strength earns the Gauls the favor of the tribe, allowing them to reunite and celebrate their newfound alliance. However, the tribe’s jealous medicine man conspires against them, using hallucinogens to incapacitate the group and kidnap Getafix again. With Minihooha’s help, Asterix frees his friend, and the trio makes a daring escape.

Returning to Gaul, the group finds their village under Roman control, with the villagers held captive. Using the last remnants of magic potion, Asterix and Obelix infiltrate the Roman camp, liberating their friends and defeating Caesar’s forces. As Caesar retreats in disgrace, the Gauls celebrate their triumph with a feast, enriched by tales of their journey and the songs they learned in the New World.

Behind the Scenes

Asterix Conquers America is a landmark in the Asterix filmography for several reasons. It was the second film where the Romans temporarily conquered the Gaulish village, the first being Asterix and the Big Fight. It is also the final film to feature the distinctive appearance of the centurion Caius Faipalgugus, though he remains unnamed in this adaptation.

The production of the film marked a significant shift in the Asterix series. Jürgen Wohlrabe, a German distributor and producer, sought to introduce Asterix to an international audience, particularly in the United States, during the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage. The film’s development included early experiments with 3D animation for ocean scenes and an entirely English voice cast, supervised by Albert Uderzo and Pierre Tchernia.

While Uderzo ensured the film maintained the spirit of the comics, several compromises were made to appeal to broader audiences, including a more simplified narrative and some controversial humor. Despite these challenges, Asterix Conquers America remains a beloved entry in the franchise, notable for its colorful animation, engaging soundtrack by Harold Faltermeyer, and its bold attempt to expand Asterix’s reach.

Dry facts

Directed by: Gerhard Hahn
Written by: Thomas Platt, Rhett Rooster
Story by: Pierre Tchernia
Based on: Asterix and the Great Crossing by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Produced by: Gerhard Hahn, Jürgen Wohlrabe
Starring: John Rye, Craig Charles, Howard Lew Lewis, Geoffrey Bayldon, Henry McGee, Christopher Biggins
Narrated by: John Rye
Music by: Harold Faltermeyer
Production Company: Extrafilm Produktion GmbH
Distributed by: Jugendfilm (Germany), 20th Century Fox (Select European territories)
Release Dates:

  • September 29, 1994 (Germany)
  • April 5, 1995 (France)
  • August 4, 1995 (Ireland)
  • August 11, 1995 (United Kingdom)
  • September 22, 1995 (United States)
    Running Time: 85 minutes
    Country: Germany
    Language: English