To fully appreciate this dub, it’s helpful to compare it to others.
The Asterix at the Olympic Games English dub is not a masterpiece. It is not even the best way to watch the film. But it is a fascinating time capsule of a specific era in international cinema—a time when European producers thought they could conquer the American market by hiring Hollywood voice talent and Olympic athletes.
It succeeds in small pockets: Brad Garrett’s Obelix, John Cleese’s Caesar, and a surprisingly witty script. But it fails in larger, more noticeable ways: poor lip-sync, a wooden lead villain, and a film that simply doesn’t translate perfectly across cultures.
For the curious fan, the English dub is worth exactly one viewing. Pour yourself a goblet of magic potion (or a warm beer), lower your expectations, and enjoy the chaos. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll forever hear Obelix’s voice as a 6’8” stand-up comedian. And perhaps, that’s exactly the kind of absurdity Asterix himself would appreciate.
Where to start? Search for the “Asterix at the Olympic Games UK DVD” on eBay or check Amazon Prime UK. And remember: the magic potion only works if you believe in it—or if you’ve had enough wild boar.
Have you heard the Asterix at the Olympic Games English dub? Do you love it or hate it? Share your thoughts in the comments below (on the original article platform).
The 2008 live-action film Asterix at the Olympic Games (Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques) remains a significant entry in the iconic French franchise, notable for its massive budget, star-studded cameos, and complex history with English-language versions. Movie Overview and Plot
The film is loosely based on the classic comic book of the same name by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. In this adventure, the Gaulish heroes Asterix and Obelix journey to Greece to help their lovelorn friend Lovesix (also known as Alafolix or Romantix in various translations). Lovesix has fallen for the Greek Princess Irina, but to win her hand, he must defeat Brutus, the scheming son of Julius Caesar, in the Olympic Games.
The film introduces several changes from the original comic, including a central focus on Brutus’s attempts to overthrow his father and the addition of the romantic subplot between Lovesix and Irina. The English Dub Versions
Finding the right English version of Asterix at the Olympic Games can be tricky due to the existence of multiple dubs and regional variations.
Regional Differences: English-speaking audiences may encounter two distinct dubs. The UK dub typically utilizes the established English names fans know from the comic books (e.g., Getafix and Dogmatix). In contrast, a US dub exists that uses more tongue-in-cheek names; for example, the druid Getafix is renamed "Vitamix". asterix at the olympic games english dub
Production Oddities: Because original release plans for the US dub were inconsistent, some prints omit voice actor credits entirely. Certain releases, like the UK Optimum Releasing DVD, even accidentally included German credits instead of the English ones.
Dubbing Cast: While the French original features legendary actors like Gérard Depardieu (Obelix) and Alain Delon (Julius Caesar), the English dubs replace their voices with specialized voice talent to maintain the comedic timing. Cast and High-Profile Cameos
The film is famous for its "spectacle" approach, featuring a vast cast and numerous cameos from the world of sports:
Clovis Cornillac as Asterix (replacing Christian Clavier from previous films). Gérard Depardieu as Obelix. Alain Delon as Julius Caesar. Benoît Poelvoorde as Brutus.
Sports Cameos: The film features appearances by Michael Schumacher (as the chariot driver "Schumix"), Zinedine Zidane, Tony Parker, and Amélie Mauresmo. Where to Watch the English Version
Finding the English-dubbed version of Asterix at the Olympic Games
(2008) can be tricky because the film is primarily available with English subtitles
rather than a full vocal dub. While an English dub was produced for the tie-in video game featuring a dedicated voice cast, the live-action film often retains its original French audio on major streaming platforms. Amazon.com Streaming & Viewing Options
The following platforms currently host the 2008 live-action film. Note that most listings specify English Subtitles with the original French audio track. Amazon.com Amazon Prime Video
: Available for streaming with a subscription or for rent/purchase. It explicitly features English Subtitles : Offers the film for rent or purchase. Fandango at Home To fully appreciate this dub, it’s helpful to
: Provides free streaming with ads or paid rental/purchase options.
: Accessible for free with a library card in supported regions. : Often lists the film for free streaming with ads. Amazon.com Key Cast & Production
The 2008 film is a massive European co-production known for its star-studded live-action cast and high budget. Gérard Depardieu
Before diving into the dubbing, let's set the scene. The film is loosely based on the comic book Asterix at the Olympic Games (originally Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques). The plot follows the brave warrior Asterix and his obese, super-strong best friend Obelix as they travel to ancient Greece. Why? To help their lovesick friend, Lovesix (played by Stéphane Rousseau in the original), win the Olympic Games.
The twist is that Lovesix is in love with Princess Irina (Vanessa Hessler), who is promised to the dastardly Brutus (Benoît Poelvoorde), the scheming son of Julius Caesar (Alain Delon). To claim her hand, Lovesix must win the Olympics—a problem, since he is a terrible athlete. Enter the magic potion.
The French original was a box office smash, but the international appeal—especially in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia—hinged on a high-quality English dub.
If you’re a hardcore Asterix comic purist, you might cringe. The film alters the original story significantly, and the English dub changes names and puns liberally. But if you’re looking for a lighthearted, visually colorful, and genuinely funny family movie—complete with a wrestling match, a CGI-boosted Olympic stadium, and a druid who mixes potions like a mad bartender—then the English dub of Asterix at the Olympic Games is an underrated gem.
It won’t win any Oscars. But it will make you laugh when Obelix shouts, “These Greeks are crazy! They run naked and call it sport!”—and that, dear reader, is exactly what the indomitable Gauls would have wanted.
Have you watched the Asterix at the Olympic Games English dub? Share your favorite dubbed line in the comments below!
The Ultimate Guide to Watching Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008) in English Have you heard the Asterix at the Olympic Games English dub
For fans of the legendary Gaulish duo, finding a high-quality English version of the 2008 live-action epic Asterix at the Olympic Games ( Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques
) can feel like trying to win a chariot race without magic potion. This star-studded film brings the beloved comics to life with a mix of slapstick humor, massive sets, and a truly bizarre list of celebrity cameos. Is there an English Dub?
Yes, an English dub exists for this film, and it is widely available on major digital platforms. While many purists prefer the original French audio with English subtitles to capture the nuanced performances of stars like Alain Delon (Julius Caesar) and Gérard Depardieu (Obelix), the dub remains a popular choice for family movie nights with younger viewers. Where to Watch in English
Depending on your region, you can find the movie on several streaming and rental platforms: Watch Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques | Disney+
Here is the final verdict.
Watch the English dub if:
Avoid the English dub if:
Dubbing a French comedy into English is a high-wire act. French humor relies heavily on wordplay, historical anachronisms, and fast-paced repartee. The Asterix at the Olympic Games English dub takes a three-pronged approach:
A great dub requires more than just famous voices. It requires excellent translation (or “localization”) that captures the original puns, and dialogue that matches the actors’ lip movements (lip-flap).