The world of the indomitable Gauls is about to take a new turn. Jonathan Cohen, known for his talents as an actor and creator of offbeat comedies like The Flame, has officially been chosen to direct the sixth live-action film inspired by the work of Uderzo and Goscinny. Unlike previous adaptations, this feature film, expected in 2028, will not be based on a comic book album, but will instead be inspired by the cult animated film The Twelve Tasks of Asterix, released in 1976.
An ambitious adaptation for a cult universe
This announcement, confirmed by Pathé and relayed in particular by Première and Variety, marks a turning point for the franchise, two years after the mixed reception given to Guillaume Canet's The Middle Kingdom. With only 4,6 million admissions, the latter failed to match the phenomenal success of Mission Cleopatra, directed by Alain Chabat in 2002, which remains the benchmark adaptation with more than 14 million spectators.
Already familiar with the Asterix universe, having played the character of Graindemaïs in the last film, Jonathan Cohen is now tackling a major project. He is also currently writing the screenplay, which will offer a contemporary and comical reinterpretation of the twelve legendary trials imposed on Asterix and Obelix by the Roman Empire. Filming is expected to begin in 2026.
A promising cast to expect
Although no cast has yet been officially announced, several names are already circulating. Drawing on his loyal cast of actors from his previous projects, Jonathan Cohen could be putting together a cast heavily oriented toward contemporary French comedy. Among the expected favorites are Pierre Niney, Leïla Bekhti, François Civil, Géraldine Nakache, Kad Merad, and Vincent Dedienne, all of whom have previously appeared alongside him in La Flamme, Le Flambeau, and other collaborations. Orelsan, who is close to Cohen through their musical project Fuckin Fred, could also be included in the cast.
This new Asterix could thus marry Jonathan Cohen's satirical and absurd spirit with the visual fantasy and popular tone of the saga. It remains to be seen whether this bold gamble will restore the comic relief that made the franchise so successful in the early 2000s. One thing is certain: between wild boars, mythical trials, and slaps to the Romans, the public will be treated to a resolutely reinvented version of its Gallic heroes.
