After much negotiating, Gallic producer Thomas Langmann has received the greenlightgreenlight to make "Asterix at the Olympic Games," a third episode in France's mega-hit movie franchise.

Pic will be co-developed with Pathe, which financed the previous two films, and helmed by Frederic Forestier.

Gerard Depardieu will reprise his role as Obelix, but Langmann is looking for a new Asterix, previously played by Christian Clavier.

Langmann said cast would include Alain Delon, Jean-Claude Van DammeJean-Claude Van Damme and French actor Benoit Poelvoorde.

Langman's father, Claude Berri, produced the first two pics but abandoned the franchise two years ago after the script for the third edition was nixed by Belgian artist Albert Uderzo, creator of the Asterix comicbooks, and by the descendants of co-author Rene Goscinny.

Gerard Jugnot, who had penned the script and was to direct, moved on to other projects.

But 18 months ago Langmann, who had the initial idea to adapt "Asterix," revived the sequel idea and developed a new script based on a different Asterix story, which finally received the blessing of rights holders Tuesday.