Asterix and the Vikings (working international
English title for
Astérix et les Vikings) is a 2006 French-Danish animated
feature film, produced in
France and
Denmark, and directed by Stefan Fjeldmark and Jesper Møller. The story was adapted from the
graphic novel Asterix and the Normans, which was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo. The film was written by Stefan Fjeldmark in collaboration with Jean-Luc Gossens, with supplementary dialogue by
Philip LaZebnik. The story has seen some changes from the original comic book: for example, the prolonged journey of the heroes back to
Norway (the comic takes place almost entirely in
Gaul) and the banquet and fight scenes therein. Also, the inclusion of the strong-willed daughter of Timandahaf, Abba, Justforkix's father, Doublehelix (a mentioned, but unseen character in the book) and dim-witted son of Crypthograf, Olaf and
anachronist references about modern technology such as
SMS. The resolution to the Vikings' quest for fear remained the same, but was minimalized to a brief gag in the movie's finale wedding scene. The film also makes use of cover versions of pop songs, such as
Get Down on It by
Kool and the Gang,
Survivor's
Eye of the Tiger, and
Super Freak by
Rick James.