Movies - Astérix and the Vikings: The return to the cinema of an animated classic for the Easter holidays in France

By Mulder, 11 february 2025

Astérix and Obélix return to the cinema in France in a colorful animated adventure. From April 2, 2025, spectators will be able to rediscover Asterix and the Vikings on the big screen, an ideal re-release for the Easter holidays. This Franco-Danish animated film, originally released in 2006, offers a modern and dynamic adaptation of the album Asterix and the Normans, an emblematic work by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.

In this adventure, Asterix and Obelix are charged with an unusual mission: to transform Getafix, the nephew of Chief Vitalstatistix, into a true warrior. This arrogant and carefree young Lutetian, far from being a fighter, proves to be above all a coward and uninterested in the training imposed on him by his mentors. But his destiny changes when the Vikings land in Gaul in search of a “champion of fear”. According to their magus Cryptograf, fear would give them wings and thus enable them to fly. Goudurix, who unwillingly embodies this preposterous idea, is then kidnapped by these fearsome Nordic warriors.

Asterix and Obélix then set off on a frantic quest to the far reaches of the Far North to rescue their young protégé. Meanwhile, Vitalstatistix, immersed in the heart of Viking culture, meets Abba, the intrepid daughter of Chief Fatso. Rebellious and independent, she refuses to conform to the traditional role reserved for the women of her people. Between plots, battles and cultural clashes, this adventure promises many twists and turns and a fine lesson in courage for all the characters.

The production of the film, led by M6 Studio, Mandarin SAS and 2D3D Animations, proved ambitious. Unlike previous animated adaptations of Asterix, Asterix and the Vikings was first produced in English before being dubbed into French. This choice was aimed at reaching an international audience and resulted in an Anglo-Saxon voice cast led by Paul Giamatti and Brad Garrett. The French version is not to be outdone with the participation of Roger Carel, the legendary voice of Asterix, Jacques Frantz as Obelix, Lorànt Deutsch as Goudurix and Sara Forestier as Abba. Other actors such as Pierre Palmade and Pierre Tchernia complete this prestigious cast.

The animation of the film combines traditional drawing and advanced digital techniques to offer a visual rendering faithful to Uderzo's universe while benefiting from the technological improvements of the time. The entire project mobilized teams across Europe, totaling more than 100,000 drawings produced and a budget of 22 million euros. This production effort results in a fluid and expressive animation, showcasing both the grandiose settings of the Far North and the dynamic and humorous battle scenes.

True to the spirit of the comic strip, the film plays with anachronisms and contemporary references to appeal to a wide audience. The carefully written dialogues alternate between puns and hard-hitting lines, while the soundtrack adds an unexpected modern touch. Iconic songs such as Get Down on It by Kool & The Gang, Eye of the Tiger by Survivor and Super Freak by Rick James are featured in this Gallo-Roman epic, providing a humorous twist. The finale is marked by an original song performed by Céline Dion, Tous les Secrets, adding an emotional dimension to the film.

In addition to its entertaining aspect, Asterix and the Vikings addresses universal themes that still resonate today. The transition to adulthood, surpassing oneself and the confrontation between tradition and modernity are at the heart of the story. Goudurix, through his trials and his evolution, embodies this quest for identity and courage that speaks to all generations. For her part, Abba illustrates a strong and independent female figure, refusing to conform to the expectations of her time.

Almost twenty years after its initial release, this re-release in cinemas brings new life to this animated film that made its mark on its era. The return of Asterix and the Vikings to the cinema is part of a broader trend of promoting animated heritage, responding both to a nostalgic demand from the public and to the desire to introduce new generations to essential works. The world of Asterix, which continues to renew itself through live-action films and new comic strips, proves once again that it never goes out of fashion.

The decision to rerelease the film for the Easter holidays is a strategic one. At a time when family films are attracting a wide audience, this animated adventure promises to be a must-see outing. The humor, action and timeless charm of the characters created by Goscinny and Uderzo make it an ideal cinematic experience, whether for a first discovery or for nostalgic pleasure.

The success of the recent films inspired by the world of Asterix, whether animated or live-action, demonstrates the public's attachment to these characters and their teeming world. By bringing Asterix and the Vikings back to life on the big screen, this rerelease is a reminder of how universal and timeless these stories are. From April 2, 2025, spectators are invited to embark on an adventure full of twists and turns, where fear could well give them wings... and above all provoke many bursts of laughter.

Synopsis:
It's the event! The little Gallic village welcomes Goudurix, the chief's nephew, and Asterix and Obelix are in charge of making him a man, a real one. Under his arrogant appearance, this teenager who arrives from Lutetia is just a big coward and the shock training he is about to undergo may not change much... At the same time, the Vikings land in Gaul, determined to find a “champion of fear” who can, as their magician promised, teach them to fly, since, according to him, fear gives you wings... When Goudurix is kidnapped by the Vikings, disaster strikes! Asterix and Obelix must do everything they can to find him. While they search as far as the Far North, their young charge, who has unwillingly been drawn into a despicable plot, meets the beautiful and intrepid Abba and realizes that love can sometimes hit you like a fist...

Asterix and the Vikings
Directed by Stefan Fjeldmark, Jesper Møller
Written by Stefan Fjeldmark, Jean-Luc Goossens
Based on Asterix and the Normans by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
Produced by Thomas Valentin
Starring : Sean Astin, Brad Garrett, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Greg Proops
Edited by Martin Wichmann Andersen, Anders Hoffmann
Music by Alexandre Azaria
Production companies: A. Film A/S, Mandarin SAS, 2D3D Animations
Distributed by SND (France)
Release date: April 12, 2006 (France)
Running time: 78 minutes
Duration: 78 minutes