In the new Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom movie, Gaul’s beloved warriors ride a chariot inspired by the iconic 2CV. It was crafted by Citroën’s design team, a project that fused playful imagination with vintage engineering ethos and paid homage to a legend of French automotive history.
The entire chariot was conceived, designed, and brought to life in a remarkable three-month window. Yes, three months. The Citroën crew pushed hard, often clocking overtime as they delved into rapid prototyping and hands-on experimentation. Traditionally, such a concept would stretch across twelve months from first sketches to the final model, but the team pulled together, delivering a finished piece that satisfied both management and the client, according to the company’s design director, Pierre Leclerc. The sprint-like pace did not dampen the sense of pride and accomplishment among the engineers and designers who watched their idea evolve into a tangible vehicle meant to live on screen and in memory.
Leclerc described the process as a rare opportunity to design a concept car from scratch, an experience that was both exhilarating and deeply collaborative. He noted that the result stands as a celebration of the 2CV, a car that Citroën has long defined itself by, in all its simple, enduring glory. The chariot’s design embraces the spirit of that legendary model while reimagining its identity for a cinematic world, blending whimsy with a nod to authentic automotive lineage.
The craftwork behind the chariot is visible in its features: windows and a sunroof provide a sense of openness, while the wooden body adds a touch of rustic authenticity. The pendant of the vehicle is crafted from four pig stomachs as a quirky nod to folk-art whimsy, complemented by an array of fireflies that illuminate the headlights with a soft, magical glow. Completing the look are shield-shaped Citroën logos mounted as wheels, a deliberate visual cue that echoes the brand’s heritage and reinforces the homage to the 2CV’s spirit.
The chariot is not merely a static prop; it plays a recurring role across several scenes in the film. For instance, when Caesar’s army reaches China, a billboard features the chariot, a subtle reference to Citroën’s own advertising heritage. The manufacturer describes this moment as a playful allusion to a famous Citroën advertisement shot on a famous landmark, reinterpreted for the movie’s fictional world. The blend of filmic storytelling and brand homage creates a moment that feels both cinematic and historically resonant, inviting audiences to connect with a well-loved marque through a new narrative lens.
Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom is slated for release on Netflix in the spring of 2023, bringing together a notable cast that includes Vincent Cassel, known for Black Swan and Ocean’s Twelve, alongside Marion Cotillard, recognized for Inception and La Vie en Rose. The pairing promises a performance that complements the film’s adventurous tone and its celebration of cultural journeys, blending humor with action and visual spectacle.
Vote – win Lada!
A call to fans invites participation in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix, a vote to help select the best car novelties of the year. The gesture is framed as an interactive moment for audiences to engage with the film’s automotive touches and to recognize the ingenuity behind the on-screen vehicles. As a token of appreciation, the campaign offers prizes drawn from the survey respondents who complete the questionnaire within the specified timeframe, creating an inclusive opportunity for car enthusiasts to share their opinions and be part of the experience. The survey period closes on the late February date noted in the promotion, inviting a timely response from fans and casual viewers alike.