Before the Beijing Olympic Games get under way, world is about to catch a slightly different Olympic fever, 'Asterix at the Olympic Games'
With a production budget of EUR78 million, it is the most expensive French movie ever made. The six-month shoot in Spain's new Ciudad de la Luz studio complex was followed by lengthy postproduction to complete no fewer than 1,300 shots with special effects.
'Asterix and the Olympic Games' is adapted from the celebraed comic strips written by Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo about a band of uppity Gauls who refuse to bend to the Roman invaders, and whose resistance is helped by a strength-giving magic potion. In this outing, they travel to Olympia to compete in the Games and win the hand of a Greek princess.
Clovis Cornillac takes over the title role, replacing Christian Clavier, who starred in the first two big-screen adaptations. Gerard Depardieu has his role of Obelix. Alain Delon, Benoit Poelvoorde, Jamel Debbouze and a host of Gallic stars join the fray.
Guest star appearances include soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, ex-Formula One champ Michael Schumacher, tennis ace Amelie Mauresmo and basketball wizard Tony Parker. Wrestling colossus Nathan Jones adds a bit of menace.
The two previous live-action adaptations, both produced by Pathe, were huge hits. 'Asterix and Obelix versus Caesar', directed by Claude Zidi in 1999 and 'Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra' with Monicca Belucci in 2002.
