Astérix and Obélix: The Big Fight

In 50 BC, the Gaulish village that resists Roman occupation faces a crisis when Obélix accidentally hurls a menhir at Getafix, causing the druid to lose his memory and the recipe for the magic potion that grants superhuman strength. The Romans, led by Julius Caesar and the cunning archivist Metadata, exploit this vulnerability by invoking an ancient Gaulish custom, the "Big Fight," pitting the village's chef Vitalstatistix against Cassius Ceramix, a pro-Roman Gaulish chief. If Vitalstatistix loses, the village will fall under Roman control. Astérix and Obélix must restore Getafix’s sanity, foil the Roman plot, and ensure the village’s independence amidst betrayals, battles, and a chaotic tournament.{{Cite web |title=Die Römer spinnen noch immer |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/medien-und-film/serien/serie-asterix-obelix-der-kampf-der-haeuptlinge-bei-netflix-110446115.html |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=FAZ |date=2025-04-30 |language=de}}

• Alain Chabat as Astérix, Geriatrix, and referee Touinepix
• Gilles Lellouche as Obélix
• Anaïs Demoustier as Metadata
• Laurent Lafitte as Julius Caesar
• Thierry Lhermitte as Getafix (Panoramix)
• Grégoire Ludig as Vitalstatistix (Abraracourcix) and a Roman sommelier
• Géraldine Nakache as Impedimenta (Bonemine)
• Grégory Gadebois as Cassius Ceramix (Aplusbegalix)
• Jean-Pascal Zadi as Potus
• Fred Testot as Fastanefurius and a germophobic legionary

• Jérémy Prévost as Dogmatix (Idéfix) and Dimilliondeclix
• Jeanne Balibar as Apothika
• Jérôme Commandeur as Blackangus and Caesar’s mother
• Stéfi Celma as Annabarbera
• Alexandre Astier as Unhygienix (Ordralfabétix)
• Pio Marmaï as Fulliautomatix (Cétautomatix) and a construction chief
• David Marsais as Cacofonix (Assurancetourix) and a legionary saying “Ça fait sens”
• Barbara Tissier as Bacteria (Iélosubmarine)
• Marie Facundo as Mrs. Geriatrix
• Gérard Darmon as Toutétobofix
• Chantal Lauby as a Roman mother
• Xavier Fagnon as the narrator

• Tanino Liberatore as a caricaturist
• Emmylou Homs as young Astérix
• Kaycie Chase as young Obélix
• Oscar Douieb as young Cassius Ceramix
• Marie Bouvier as Jelly (Gélatine), Obélix’s mother
• Maurice Barthélemy as a Gaul saying “Where do I put my trunks?” and a legionary saying “Too many gods”
• Jamel Debbouze as Sucettalanix and a chicken
• Benoît Oullion as Barbix and a legionary “Obel 9”
• Antoine Schoumsky as a legionary “All but one”
• Lana Ropion as Cumulus
• Bianca Tomassian as Nimbus
• Fabrice Joubert as a fairground vendor saying “C’est bon !”

The German dub was produced by FFS Film- & Fernseh-Synchron GmbH, directed by Tanja Frank.{{Cite web |title=Asterix & Obelix: Der Kampf der Häuptlinge |url=https://www.synchronkartei.de/serie/60367 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Synchronkartei |language=de}}

• Axel Malzacher as Astérix
• Marko Bräutigam as Obélix
• Matthias Klie as Julius Caesar
• Axel Strothmann as Getafix
• Julian Manuel as Potus

• Haydn Oakley as Astérix.
• Ben Crowe as Obélix.
• Daisy May Cooper as Impedimenta.
• Ruby Barker as Metadata.
• Jeanne Balibar as Apothika.
• Mark Meadows Williams as Julius Caesar.
• Matt Wilkinson as Fastanfurius.
• Jon Glover as Getafix.

In March 2021, Netflix, Les Éditions Albert René, and producer Alain Goldman announced a 3D animated series adapting Asterix and the Big Fight, with Alain Chabat as co-writer and director. Chabat, a lifelong Asterix fan and director of the 2002 film Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cleopatra, which grossed 14 million admissions in France, aimed to create a faithful yet innovative adaptation.{{Cite web |last=Choquet |first=Mégane |title=Netflix : Alain Chabat va réaliser une série animée Astérix |url=https://www.allocine.fr/article/fichearticle_gen_carticle=18697393.html |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=AlloCiné |language=fr}} The series was developed at TAT Productions in Toulouse, employing over 60 animators, with Kristof Serrand (formerly of DreamWorks) as animation director.{{Cite web |title=La série animée Astérix réalisée par Alain Chabat pour Netflix sera fabriquée à Toulouse |url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/2022/02/03/la-serie-animee-asterix-realisee-par-alain-chabat-pour-netflix-sera-fabriquee-a-toulouse-10086358.php |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=La Dépêche du Midi |language=fr}}

The series’ 3D animation, led by art director Aurélien Prédal, emulates Albert Uderzo’s art style from the late 1960s to early 1970s, specifically between Asterix at the Olympic Games and Caesar’s Laurel Wreath. Character designs by Alfonso Salazar were sculpted to ensure fidelity to the comics.{{Cite web |last=Léger |first=François |title=Alain Chabat de retour sur Astérix : on a vu les premières images épatantes de la série Le Combat des Chefs |url=https://www.premiere.fr/Series/News-Series/Alain-Chabat-de-retour-sur-Asterix--on-a-vu-les-premieres-images-epatantes-de-la-serie-Le-Combat-des-Chefs |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=Première |language=fr}} The production involved storyboarding by Rodolphe Guenoden and others, with editing by David Boyadjian and Florent Colignon, and sound mixing by Marc Doisne.

The score, composed by Mathieu Alvado, blends comedic and adventurous tones, paying homage to the classic Asterix animated films while introducing modern elements.

All five episodes were released on Netflix on April 30, 2025.{{Cite web |title=Astérix : Netflix dévoile quand sortira la série d'Alain Chabat avec Alexandre Astier |url=https://hitek.fr/actualite/asterix-et-obelix-alain-chabat-netflix_52263 |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Hitek |language=fr}}

• Title: Episode I
• Summary: In 50 BC, the Gaulish village repels an attack from the troops of bumbling Roman centurion Potus. A flashback to 78 BC shows Astérix and Obélix as children, already inseparable friends. The village hosts Cassius Ceramix, the son of a neighbouring chief, for a few days. An obnioxous bully, Cassius Ceramix pressures Astérix and Obélix into steal Getafix’s golden sickle. As they try to do so, Obélix falls into a potion cauldron, gaining permanent super strength. Obélix's blunder also allows Getafix to achieve the magic potion he had been trying to create, the decisive ingredient being the four-leaf clover that was in Obélix's pocket.

• Title: Episode II
• Summary: In 44 BC, Caesar seeks to conquer the last rebellious Gaulish village. Metadata, a young female archivist working at Caesar's palace, suggests to have Vitalstatistix challenged by a pro-Roman chief in a ritual Gaulish "Big Fight" in order to subjugate the village. Impressed by Metadata's cleverness, Caesar sends her and her uncle, dim-witted general Fastanfurius, to organize the challenge. Cassius Ceramix, now an overbearing Gallo-Roman village chief, is selected by the Romans as their champion. However, upon learning that his adversary will be Vitalstatistix, Cassius Ceramix balks at the idea because Getafix's magic potion renders Vitalstatistix invincible. At Metadata's suggestion, Fastanfurius sends Potus and his men to kidnap Getafix. As Astérix and Obélix try to rescue Getafix, Obélix accidentally hits him with a menhir, rendering him amnesiac and insane. Upon hearing that Getafix is dead, Cassius Ceramix agrees to challenge Vitalstatistix.

• Title: Episode III
• Summary: Cassius Ceramix visits Vitalstatistix to formally challenge him, but discovers to his horror that Getafix is still alive. Astérix, Obélix and Vitalstatistix try to get Getafix to prepare the magic potion but the insane druid only manages to brew unstable, explosive potions. Fastanfurius sens Potus to the village on a spying mission. Astérix and Obélix capture Potus and decide to use him as a guinea pig by making him drink Getafix’s failed potions. Potus expériences various bizarre effects until one potion makes him float away from the village, allowing him to inform Fastanfurius and Cassius Ceramix that Getafix is now unable to make the magic potion. Astérix and Obélix seek help from Gothic therapist Apothika to restore Getafix's sanity. However, Obélix accidentally hits Apothika with a menhir, rendering her insane like Getafix.

• Title: Episode IV
• Summary: The "Big Fight" arena is completed. Caesar and Cleopatra attend the chaotic tournament, together with Caesar's crusty mother. Vitalstatistix names Obélix as interim chief so he can fight in his place. Astérix is banished after a dispute with Obélix. Cassius Ceramix is terrified upon discovering that he will have to fight Obélix; however, when Obélix realizes that Astérix is absent from the arena, he gets emotional and faints on the canvas, resulting in Cassius Ceramix being declared the winner.

• Title: Episode V
• Summary: Asterix, left as the last rebellious Gaul, challenges Caesar, who orders an attack on the village. A brawl ensues, during which Cassius Ceramix unwittingly restores Getafix’s sanity with a shield blow. Dismayed by the cruelty of Roman colonization, Metadata defects and helps Getafix brew a cauldron of magic potion. Fastanfurius and Potus manage to steal the cauldron so they and their men can drink the potion and defeat the Gauls. However, Getafix had deliberately sabotaged the potion, which causes the Roman troops to float away and turn luminescent. Caesar, happy that his usually jaded mother has been impressed with this spectacle, declares a truce with the village. Cassius Ceramix, who had been cowardly hiding during the battle, tries to reconcile with Vitalstatistix, who punches him out. The Gauls celebrate their victory with a banquet, together with their new friend Metadata. A post-credits 2D sequence features two boars outwitting a goose to steal vegetables.

The series premiered on Netflix on April 30, 2025, with all episodes released simultaneously in multiple languages, including French, English, and German. A promotional campaign began with a teaser on December 16, 2024, and a trailer on March 5, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Desrues |first=Antoine |title=Astérix & Obélix sur Netflix : enfin une bande-annonce pour Le Combat des chefs d’Alain Chabat |url=https://www.ecranlarge.com/series/news/asterix-obelix-netflix-bande-annonce-combat-chefs |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Écran Large |language=fr}} A creative marketing video on June 11, 2024, parodied Netflix titles like Breaking Barde and The Crown de Laurier.

Astérix and Obélix: The Big Fight received generally positive reviews, particularly for its vibrant 3D animation, faithful adaptation of the 1966 comic, and sharp humor. On AlloCiné, the series earned a 4.3/5 rating based on French critic reviews, with praise for Alain Chabat’s direction and the voice performances of Chabat and Gilles Lellouche.{{Cite web |title=Reviews of the series Astérix & Obélix: Le Combat des Chefs |url=https://www.allocine.fr/series/ficheserie-28613/critiques/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=AlloCiné |language=fr}} On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has been noted for its critical and audience appeal, with reviewers highlighting its balance of nostalgia and modern storytelling, though specific Tomatometer and Popcornmeter scores were not publicly detailed as of May 2025.{{Cite web |title=Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/asterix_and_obelix_the_big_fight/s01 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}

In the US, critics lauded the series as a “triumphant and impressive” adaptation, with Florian Etcheverry of "What’s on Netflix" giving it a resounding endorsement for its emotional depth, anti-imperialistic themes, and appeal across generations. He noted the animation’s “fluorescent tints” reminiscent of *Spider-Verse* and the strong ensemble cast, calling it a “big Gallic tent” that never feels like overkill. The Peach Review awarded the series a 9/10, praising its monumental buildup, pop culture references (including an *Avengers: Endgame* spoof), and fidelity to the comics’ spirit, recommending it in French with subtitles for authenticity.{{Cite web |title=‘Astérix & Obélix: The Big Fight’ Review: A Bash-n-Mash Good Time |url=https://thepeachreview.com/2025/04/30/asterix-obelix-the-big-fight-review-a-bash-n-mash-good-time/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Peach Review |date=2025-04-30}} However, some US-based IMDb user reviews criticized the first episode for altering established comic lore, though they acknowledged the strong animation and final episode.{{Cite web |title=Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight (TV Mini Series 2025) - User reviews |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14164922/reviews |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=IMDb}}

In the UK, the series was well-received for capturing the “playful satire” of the comics. Rohan Naahar of The Indian Express (writing for a global audience but published in English) gave it a 4/5, calling it a “lovingly crafted homage” that smartly devotes its opening episode to Astérix and Obélix’s childhood, likening it to “Harry Potter getting his scar.” He highlighted its political satire of authoritarianism, though noted France’s own colonial history adds complexity to the narrative.{{Cite web |last=Naahar |first=Rohan |title=Asterix & Obelix – The Big Fight review: By Toutatis! Netflix quenches thirst for nostalgia with magic potion for the soul |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/asterix-obelix-the-big-fight-review-netflix-charming-visual-adaptation-9978670/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Indian Express |date=2025-05-03}}

Audience reactions, particularly from longtime fans, were overwhelmingly positive, with Rotten Tomatoes user comments describing it as a “childhood memory revived” and an “amazing artistic and storytelling approach.”{{Cite web |title=Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/asterix_and_obelix_the_big_fight/s01 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} Critics and viewers agreed that while not flawless, the series successfully honored Goscinny and Uderzo’s legacy, with its witty dialogues, modern pop culture nods, and vibrant visuals making it a family-friendly hit.{{Cite web |last=Etcheverry |first=Florian |title=‘Astérix & Obélix: The Big Fight’ Review – A Triumphant and Impressive French Premium Animated Series |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/what-to-watch/asterix-obelix-the-big-fight-review-a-triumphant-and-impressive-french-premium-animated-series/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=What’s on Netflix |date=2025-04-24}}

The series is rich with puns and pop culture nods, a hallmark of Goscinny’s writing:

• Character names like Fastanefurius (referencing The Fast and the Furious), Annabarbera (Hanna-Barbera), Beetlejus (Beetlejuice) and Mileycirus (Miley Cyrus) are playful wordplays, usually with the ending -us which is common in Roman names.
• Episode 1 includes a Star Wars homage with a Roman transforming into R2-D2, and Obélix arranging menhirs like Stonehenge.
• Episode 2 references Star Wars: The Last Jedi in a mosaic and Jamel Debbouze’s role from Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cleopatra.
• Episode 3 features Getafix mimicking the James Bond gun barrel sequence and sounds from Chabat’s Burger Quiz.
• Episode 4 includes a Pulp Fiction dance, a Roman theme park with a It's a Small World inspired ride, and a Captain America-like shield game.
• Episode 5 echoes Matrix Revolutions and Avengers: Endgame in its action sequences, with a post-credits scene styled like Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.{{Cite web |last=Tounsi-Chaïbdraa |first=Chaïma |title=Astérix sur Netflix : avez-vous regardé le dernier épisode jusqu’à la fin du générique ? Alain Chabat vous réserve une surprise ! |url=https://www.allocine.fr/article/fichearticle_gen_carticle=1000141590.html |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=AlloCiné |language=fr}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title|14164922}}
• {{Netflix title|81316606}}
• [https://www.sanglier-danger.com/ Sanglier Danger], a fictional website created for a series gag

{{Asterix}}

{{Alain Chabat}}

Category:Asterix television series

Category:French animated television series

Category:2025 French television series debuts

Category:Netflix original programming

Category:Television series based on French comics

Category:3D animated television series

Category:Animated series set in ancient Rome

Category:Children’s animated television series