Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002)

Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (French: Astérix et Obélix : Mission Cléopâtre) is a celebrated French fantasy comedy film released in 2002. Written and directed by Alain Chabat, the movie adapts the beloved comic book series Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. At the time of its release, it was the most expensive French film ever made and quickly achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. In France, it became the highest-grossing film in 36 years, second only to the classic La Grande Vadrouille (1966).
This movie is based on the 1965 comic book Asterix and Cleopatra, which had been previously adapted as an animated film in 1968. It serves as the second live-action installment in the Asterix film series, following Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999). Christian Clavier and Gérard Depardieu reprise their roles as Asterix and Obelix, alongside a star-studded cast including Jamel Debbouze, Monica Bellucci, Claude Rich, Gérard Darmon, and Édouard Baer. Alain Chabat himself appears in a supporting role.
Synopsis
In the luxurious palace of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar taunts the Egyptian queen, claiming her people are inferior to the Romans and capable only of building pyramids. Furious, Cleopatra wagers that her people can construct a magnificent palace for Caesar within three months. If successful, Caesar must publicly acknowledge the superiority of the Egyptians.
Cleopatra summons the architect Numerobis, who is struggling with delays on another project. She commands him to oversee the construction, promising gold as a reward for success or a fate as crocodile food for failure. A rival architect, Amonbofis, is enraged at being overlooked and vows to sabotage Numerobis’s efforts.
Numerobis, recognizing the enormity of the task, recalls a tale his father told him about a druid in Gaul who can brew a magic potion granting superhuman strength. He travels to the Gaulish village and meets Asterix, Obelix, and the druid Panoramix. Upon hearing his plea, the trio agrees to help him complete the impossible task.
The journey to Egypt is filled with adventure, including an encounter with the infamous pirate Redbeard. Upon arrival, the Gauls and Numerobis face numerous challenges, from labor strikes to poisoned materials and sabotage attempts. Using the magic potion, Panoramix empowers the workers, accelerating progress on the palace.
Amonbofis escalates his sabotage efforts, even allying with Caesar to launch a military assault on the construction site. However, Asterix, Obelix, and Panoramix foil every plan, including a poisoned cake intended to frame them. In a climactic sequence, Cleopatra intervenes to halt Caesar’s attack and orders the Romans to assist with the palace’s completion.
The palace is finished on time, and Caesar concedes his loss. At the inauguration, Cleopatra rewards Numerobis with gold, while Panoramix receives priceless manuscripts from the Library of Alexandria. The story concludes with a grand celebration in the newly completed palace.
Behind the Scenes
The comic book Asterix and Cleopatra had previously been adapted into a 1968 animated film by Goscinny and Uderzo. In this live-action version, director Alain Chabat brings a modern comedic twist while staying faithful to the original material.
Notable contributors to the film include Pierre Tchernia, a long-time collaborator on the Asterix animated adaptations. He serves as both narrator and plays a Roman general. The movie also reunites members of French comedy troupe Les Nuls, including Chabat and Chantal Lauby, as well as nearly all the cast of the troupe Robin des Bois.
Filming took place in Morocco, with the studio in Ouarzazate serving as a key location. The memorable monologue by Édouard Baer as Otis was an improvised scene that became iconic, beloved by audiences and frequently quoted.
Key Production Details
Directed by Alain Chabat, the film features a talented cast including Gérard Depardieu, Christian Clavier, and Monica Bellucci. Laurent Dailland’s cinematography and Philippe Chany’s musical score further enhance the movie’s vibrant and immersive setting. It was produced by Claude Berri and distributed by Pathé in France and Miramax Films internationally.
Release Date: January 30, 2002
Running Time: 107 minutes
Languages: French, Arabic, Cantonese, Latin, Dutch
Fun Facts
- The film features cameos and performances by several notable French comedians, including members of Les Nuls and Robin des Bois.
- Despite his expertise in stunt work, Cyril Raffaelli’s sole scene as a Roman involves being slapped by Obelix.
- An entire sequence featuring JoeyStarr as an Egyptian guard was cut during production.
- The improvisational monologue by Édouard Baer remains one of the film’s most talked-about moments.
Legacy
Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Asterix franchise. Its humor, larger-than-life characters, and engaging storyline make it a cherished classic among fans of the series worldwide.