Since the first live-action film, each Asterix and Obelix adventure on the big screen has faithfully followed the plot of a cult album by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. With The Middle Kingdom, released in 2023, Guillaume Canet and his team are taking the gamble of radically changing the Asterix mythology, by imagining a completely new story, which is anchored in a new setting.
A risky bet
This is the first time that an Asterix film breaks free from the framework imposed by the comics to offer an original script, written especially for the cinema by Guillaume Canet, Philippe Mechelen and Julien Hervé. A historic turning point for the saga, which paves the way for new horizons in terms of storytelling and creativity.
Behind this decision, the film's creators wanted to break free from the expectations of comics to offer a unique adventure in the heart of Imperial China. The story, centered on Princess Fu Yi, offered plenty of opportunity to introduce new characters and new challenges. A boon for the cult saga, which succeeded in reinventing itself by offering new perspectives to its heroes. Despite mixed reviews, and 65 million euros of investment, the fifth live-action film of the little mustachioed man has finally met with success, giving birth to a book inspired by the film's script, written by Olivier Gay and Fabrice Tarrin. The Gauls have come full circle, and have even been a hit internationally.
Tonight on TF1
By freeing itself from the albums, Asterix and Obelix, The Middle Kingdom gives itself the opportunity to explore new universes, new characters, and to tackle contemporary themes, while remaining faithful to the original spirit of its authors, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Flanked by an XXL cast (Gilles Lellouche, Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel, Jonathan Cohen, Manu Payet, Pierre Richard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Orelsan, Bigflo et Oli, Angèle, Franck Gastambide, McFly and Carlito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic), the film will be broadcast tonight on TF1, from 9:00 p.m. The kind of film to watch with the family, from 8 years old, just before gorging on Easter chocolates.
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