British actresses Daisy May Cooper and Ruby Barker are lending their voices to the latest animated adaptation of the beloved French comic series in Asterix And Obelix: The Big Fight, premiering this Wednesday on Netflix.
BAFTA-winning This Country star Cooper will voice Impedimenta, the formidable wife of the village chief, while Bridgerton’s Ruby Barker takes on the role of Metadata, a newly introduced character for this animated version. Their casting adds a distinctly British flair to a classic European tale that has captivated generations across the continent.
The voice cast also includes Haydn Oakley as the plucky and cunning Asterix, and Ben Crowe as the loveable, brawny Obelix. This new Netflix series promises to reintroduce audiences young and old to the iconic adventures of the Gaulish duo in their fight against the Roman Empire.
Adapted from the original comic books by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Asterix And Obelix: The Big Fight follows the familiar tale of Roman legions desperately trying to take over the last remaining free village in Gaul. The villagers, led by Asterix and Obelix, rely on a secret weapon — a magic potion brewed by their druid, which gives them superhuman strength.
However, in this latest instalment, a twist threatens to shift the balance. The potion master, Getafix, loses his memory, leaving the villagers vulnerable and scrambling to defend themselves from Roman invasion without their usual magical boost. As chaos ensues, it’s up to Asterix and Obelix to hold the line and outwit their adversaries using courage, camaraderie, and cunning.
The series has been adapted by Alain Chabat, the celebrated French director and actor who also helmed the much-loved 2002 film Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra. Chabat’s involvement has been met with enthusiasm, with fans expecting his signature blend of humour, heart, and action.
Daisy May Cooper, best known for co-creating and starring in the critically acclaimed mockumentary This Country, is no stranger to eccentric characters. Her portrayal of Impedimenta is expected to be sharp, witty, and suitably commanding. Ruby Barker, who shot to fame as Marina Thompson in Bridgerton, brings a fresh energy to the character of Metadata, whose exact role remains under wraps — though she’s tipped to be an intriguing addition to the classic ensemble.
Since the first Asterix comic was published in 1959, the franchise has spawned 39 books, multiple TV shows, over a dozen films, and even its own theme park, Parc Astérix, located near Paris. The enduring popularity of the series lies in its clever satire, slapstick humour, and its timeless story of resilience against overwhelming odds.
The visual style of the new Netflix adaptation stays true to the original comic art, retaining the charm and vibrancy that fans have long associated with Goscinny and Uderzo’s creation. At the same time, the writing and voice acting promise to make the series accessible to a modern global audience, introducing Asterix and Obelix to a new generation of viewers.
With Netflix’s growing library of high-quality animated content, Asterix And Obelix: The Big Fight looks set to be a standout title this year. Blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling and a stellar British cast, it’s a fitting tribute to one of Europe’s most cherished comic legacies.
Asterix And Obelix: The Big Fight premieres globally on Netflix this Wednesday.