The blockbuster by Guillaume Canet, released on Wednesday, topped the box office on its first day of operation.
Expected for three and a half years, and released this Wednesday in 950 theaters, Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Empire is already at the top of the box office. The blockbuster signed Guillaume Canet attracted 463,026 spectators at the end of its first day of operation (including 275,658 admissions in previews).
According to information from Pathé, it is the best start for a French film for ten years, and the eighth start of all time for a French film. With the winter holidays starting this Friday evening, the blockbuster made in France should be able to exceed one million admissions fairly quickly.
Asterix ahead of a short head The Ch’tite Family by Dany Boon, which had 451,530 admissions for its first day in 2018. It was then the best start for a French film since Welcome to the Ch’tiswhich had totaled 558,559 admissions on its first day in 2008.
An original story
With a record budget of 65 million euros, Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom is inspired by the comics of Goscinny and Uderzo but tells an original story imagined by Philippe Mechelen and Julien Hervé, the creators of Tuchesand Guillaume Canet.
The two irreducible Gauls played by Guillaume Canet and Gilles Lellouche go to China to help Princess Fu Yi, the Empress’s only daughter, who has been imprisoned after a coup fomented by Deng Tsin Quin, a traitorous prince. They are helped in their quest by Graindemaïs, a Phoenician merchant, and the warrior Tat Han.
Canet and Lellouche give the reply to Vincent Cassel (Jules César), Marion Cotillard (Cléopâtre) and Jonathan Cohen (Graindemaïs). Singer Angèle, rappers Orelsan and Bigflo and Oli, Youtubers McFly and Carlito are also in the cast.
