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Asterix and Obelix travel to Egypt to help architect Numerobis to build a palace for queen Cleopatra in 90 days because of a bet she made with Julius Caesar.

For this film the plot is based primarily on the sixth Asterix album, Asterix and Cleopatra written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. The same album was the basis of a 1968 animated film. In this version there are many references to other movies like The Matrix, and contemporary jokes which give a different perspective from the previous stories. Clavier and Depardieu reprised their roles as Asterix and Obelix but there were various other changes in the cast and crew of this film, such as Claude Piéplu and Gottfried John who played Panoramix and Caesar in the first film being replaced by Claude Rich and Alain Chabat. The film was again a huge success but it was considered to be one of the most expensive films in the history of Europe (more than 50 million dollars). It was directed by Alain Chabat.

Asterix at the Olympic Games is the third live action Asterix film, planned for a 2008 release. Asterix will return, this time played by Clovis Cornillac instead of Clavier, in a movie based on the album of the same name. Except Gérard Depardieu there will not be any previous cast members, however the internet movie database indicates there will be many well-known guest stars like Alain Delon (as Julius Caesar), Claudia Cardinale, Jean-Claude Van Damme, David Beckham, Michael Schumacher, Kelly Rowland and many more.

Filming began on June 2006 and the movie is planned for release close to the date of the Beijing olympic games. The budget of the film is estimated to be even higher than the previous Asterix film (possibly almost twice as expensive). It will be directed by Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann.

• Astérix aux jeux olympiques at the Internet Movie Database

At Asterix NZ:

• Astérix et Obélix contre César
• Astérix & Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre
• Astérix aux jeux olympiques