DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE NEXT ASTERIX FILM

STUDIOCANAL and Editions Albert René are delighted to announce the signing of an exclusive development agreement for the sixth live action film of the adventures of Asterix.

Created in 1959 by two of the greatest comic strip geniuses, René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. Since their first appearance, the diehard Gauls have become an extraordinary phenomenon of French culture, a phenomenon which continues to shine brightly in France and internationally.

With 400 million Asterix books in 130 languages and dialects sold, Asterix is by far the most successful comic book in the world. Since 1961, 40 albums of Asterix adventures have been published and five live action films have been produced, to the delight of tens of millions of readers.

On numerous occasions STUDIOCANAL has demonstrated its expertise in adapting literary works into films and series, as well as its ability to take the biggest franchises all around the world, starting with Paddington. Written by Michael Bond, Paddington has been adapted into three animated series, two BAFTA-nominated films which have grossed nearly $500 million at the global box office, a short film with Queen Elizabeth II which generated more than 100 million views and a third feature film which will soon be released in cinemas.

STUDIOCANAL has also successfully distributed several Asterix films - both live action and animation.

Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL, explains: “I am delighted with this exclusive development agreement signed with Editions Albert René, which will allow STUDIOCANAL to produce the sixth live action Asterix adventure film. But more than that, on behalf of STUDIOCANAL and the CANAL+ Group, I feel honoured by the trust placed in us by Editions Albert René. We are aware that Asterix is a cultural icon, and will ensure that we respect his world, in tribute to the work of its amazing creators René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.”

Isabelle Magnac, president of Editions Albert René, adds: “I am delighted by this agreement with STUDIOCANAL which aims to develop and produce this new adventure of Asterix for the cinema, after the success of Asterix and the Middle Kingdom. STUDIOCANAL was able to convince us of its ambition, its international know-how, the quality of its teams and its professionalism. By working closely together, we will develop this new film around the legendary work created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Signing this agreement marks a further new stage in the on-screen adventures of Asterix along with the release of the Netflix series by Alain Chabat in 2025 and the M6 cartoon planned for 2026.”

ABOUT STUDIOCANAL (a CANAL+ Company)

STUDIOCANAL, a 100% affiliate of CANAL+ Group held by Vivendi, is Europe’s leader in production, distribution and international sales of feature films and series, operating in all major European markets - France, United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Benelux - as well as in Australia, in New Zealand and in the United States. It finances, produces and distributes 80 films per year. It owns the largest library in Europe and one of the most prestigious libraries in the world, boasting more than 9 000 titles from 60 countries, spanning 100 years of film history. Close to 25 million euros has been invested into the 4K restoration of nearly 1 000 classic feature films over the past 5 years. In addition, STUDIOCANAL also produces almost 20 series each year and operates at an international level by globally distributing its scripted productions and CANAL+ Originals (2,000 hours of current and library content in distribution). All productions take place directly through STUDIOCANAL entities or with its award-winning network of 14 production companies in Europe and in the United States: 2E BUREAU (FR), STUDIOCANAL ORIGINAL (FR), BIRDIE PICTURES (UK), RED PRODUCTION COMPANY (UK), URBAN MYTH FILMS (UK), STRONG FILM & TELEVISION (UK), SUNNY MARCH TV (UK), BAMBU PRODUCCIONES (SP), KINO SWIAT LAILAPS FILMS (GER), STUDIOCANAL SERIES (GER), OPUS TV (POL), SAM PRODUCTIONS (DEN), DINGIE (NETH), THE PICTURE COMPANY (US).

ABOUT EDITIONS ALBERT RENE

Editions Albert René owns and manages all the rights to the joint works of René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, including the most famous: The Adventures of Asterix. The company publishes the comic strips of the little Gaul and is behind new projects featuring Asterix, in particular films and cartoons. Editions Albert René also grants licences for derivative products and promotional operations, including for Parc Astérix near Paris.

DIRECTION DE LA COMMUNICATION

Elvire Charbonnel : elvire.charbonnel@canal-plus.com

EDITIONS ALBERT RENE

Véronique Ma : vma@editions-albert-rene.com

Agence Pierre Laporte Communication : Fréderic Pillier, frederic@pierre-laporte.com