Fans of the longstanding French Astérix and Obélix franchise whose screen history dates back to the 60s will find themselves in good company at the start of February with Astérix and Obélix: The Middle Kingdom. A sequel to Laurent Tirard’s own 2012 Edouard Baer/Gerard Depardieu starrer, actor Guillaume Canet not only directs this newest venture but stars as well, joined by actor Gilles Lellouche for the banner comedy pair based on the classic comic book line.
It’s the year 50 BC. The Empress of China has just been imprisoned following a coup d’état incited by Deng Tsin Qin, a traitorous prince.
Helped by Finalthesis, the Phoenician merchant, and her faithful bodyguard Mai Wei, the Empress’ only daughter Princess Sass-Yi flees to Gaul to ask for help from two valiant warriors Asterix and Obelix, who are endowed with superhuman strength thanks to their magic potion.
Our two inseparable heroes gladly accept to help the Princess save her mother and free her country. And thus begins a great voyage and adventure on the road to China.
But Caesar and his powerful army, thirsty for a new conquest, are also heading toward the Middle Kingdom…
The film also stars Vincent Cassel, Jonathan Cohen, Marion Cotillard, Julie Chen and Leanna Chea among a bevy of actors headlining the new period fantasy comedy adventure hitting screens in France and Switzerland on February 1 from Pathé.
