After more than two decades since his blockbuster film, Astérix et Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre, director Alain Chabat returns to the beloved Gaulish duo with a new animated series called Astérix et Obélix: Le Combat des chefs, set to debut on Netflix on April 30, 2025. This animated series, co-directed with Fabrice Joubert, was previewed at the Séries Mania festival in Lille on March 23, 2025, where excited audiences got a first look at three of its five episodes.
The series draws inspiration from the iconic comic book Le Combat des chefs, created by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny back in 1966. Instead of exotic locations like the Sphinx or pyramids, this story unfolds at home in Gaul, where the last independent village is under threat. With a runtime of about 20 minutes per episode, the series brings the classic characters back to life in a modern context, filled with humor and sharp references to today’s world.
In the narrative, set around 50 BC, the village faces a serious dilemma. Their druid, Panoramix, has been knocked unconscious by a menhir and lost his mind along with the recipe for the magic potion, leaving chief Abraracourcix in a precarious situation. With a rival Gallo-Roman chief, Aplusbégalix, seeking to conquer the village, stakes are high for our heroic characters.
Chabat takes on the voice of Astérix himself, stepping into the shoes of the legendary Roger Carel, while the role of Obélix is played by actor Gilles Lellouche, repeating his previous performance from the 2023 film Astérix et Obélix: L'Empire du milieu, which garnered 4.6 million viewers in France. Lellouche described Carel's portrayal as “unmatched” in the realm of animated adaptations and acknowledged the pressures involved in following such an iconic voice.
The humor and spirit of Le Combat des chefs not only remain intact but reflect a more contemporary sentiment, with Chabat explaining his decision to emphasize clever puns and comedic references to better resonate with modern audiences. He has also added new characters such as César's mother and a young Roman named Métadata, aimed at enhancing the representation of female characters in the original series.
The creative process for this series was not without its challenges. Chabat noted that while he had prior experience in live-action films, animating characters posed a unique learning curve. He revealed that the initial concept was for a feature film, but the freedom offered by Netflix and the opportunity to explore a series format ultimately changed course, allowing for a deeper storytelling experience.
To ensure high-quality animation, Chabat collaborated closely with the Toulouse-based company TAT, which has a reputation for producing vibrant animations, including the film Les As de la jungle. Chabat emphasized their tireless efforts in creating a visually stunning series that pays homage to the original comic book while exploring a new 3D style. The team drew inspiration from popular animation hits such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Disney's The Jungle Book to craft an engaging universe filled with visual flair and dynamism.
With rigorous attention to detail, the studio has integrated visual elements akin to the comic book's onomatopoeias, enhancing the series' atmosphere. Chabat observed the excitement and dedication of his team, mentioning that every collaborator was wholly focused on making the project a delightful experience for viewers, encapsulating the timeless charm of the Gauls.
In recent media, critics have lauded the series' humor, especially highlighting its ability to offer layered jokes that appeal to both younger and older audiences. With a blend of nostalgic themes and modern twists, Chabat's adaptation sparks excitement ahead of the new content's release.
As fans eagerly await the 41st album of Astérix, titled Astérix en Lusitanie, set to drop in October 2025, this animated adventure surely promises viewers a hearty dose of laughter and entertainment. In more ways than one, Chabat has successfully revitalized Astérix and Obélix for a new generation, demonstrating that the hilarity of the indomitable Gauls can still connect across time.
