Austere run for 'Asterix'

Jugnot to helm, Clavier may not reprise role

By ALISON JAMES

PARIS -- Claude Berri is working on a third "Asterix" movie, to be helmed by actor-director Gerard Jugnot, an insider at Berri's Renn Prods. confirmed Tuesday.

But the pic, which could be shot next year, is likely to be less ambitious than its predecessors, and thesp Christian Clavier may not reprise the title role.

Last week, Berri said, "Money is far more of an issue than it was for the first two films -- it is going to be difficult."

The $47 million Alain Chabat-helmed sequel "Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra" has performed less well internationally than Claude Zidi's "Asterix & Obelix vs. Caesar."

The original "Asterix" notched up 14 million admissions abroad; the sequel, which will be released in the U.S. by Miramax, is struggling toward an expected total of around 8.5 million.

Best known to the French public as an actor in dozens of Gallic laffers down the years, Jugnot has helmed nine pics, with his last two very well received: "Best Female Newcomer" (2000) and this year's "Monsieur Batignole," which notched up 2 million ticket sales in France. Jugnot starred in both.

With Clavier trying to pursue more serious roles after his portrayal of Napoleon in the recent TV miniseries, those tipped to replace him as Asterix include hot comic actor Jose Garcia, ("Le Boulet") and Lorant Deutsch.