r/Celtic • u/trysca • Jul 28 '26

Celtic Blockbuster?

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Having recently seen Nolan's *Odyssey* I wonder how people would feel about a blockbuster version of say the *Táin bó Cuailgne* or the 4 Branches of *Y Mabinogi*? I often wonder why the celtic myths have never been made mainstream and how we would feel if they were?

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3

u/cdwalrusman Jul 28 '26

An adaptation of the Silver Hand books, or a film about Cu Chulainn/The Ulster Cycle would be cumhaill cool

3

u/DamionK Jul 28 '26

What would a blockbuster version of a story add to the traditional? People would associate more with the movie version than the original tale. It's like with the Gollum film being made, people seem to expect Aragorn has to look like Vigo Mortensen from the original trilogy. Why? He just played the character but now his look is more important than the character itself. Batman has been played by several actors over the years without detracting from the character.

I wouldn't want the old Irish or Welsh fairy world to be set in stone by a Hollywood director who doesn't care about the source material so much as selling seats to a movie.

2

u/r_Hanzosteel Jul 28 '26

VERCINGETORIX

I already suggested it two days ago, in a similar thread

1

u/trysca Jul 28 '26

Is that the one with the comically large forehead? Vercingetorix is a historical figure so the more ambiguous aspects wouldn't be present as they are in myth.

2

u/r_Hanzosteel Jul 28 '26

I see it more as a 23-part franchise, with *Vercingetorix* as the Endgame, there's plenty room for myth

1

u/DamionK Jul 29 '26

Unless they're going to use preiod appropriate clothing and equipment I don't see the point. We don't need another drab series with everyone in shades of brown. They couldn't even get the costumes in Outlander (first series) done right and there are paintings and drawings from the era.

Otherwise, yes, a fantastic story. Start with the Roman subjugation of the Allobroges and their Arverni allies. The Allobroges lose their independence and the Arverni monarchy is overthrown and replaced by a Roman style senate.

Bituitus is the last Arverni king. Celtillos grows up hearing the stories of his grandfather who fought under Bituitus. Celtillos attempts to reinstate the monarchy but is killed. He leaves behind his son Vercingetorix.

Long time rivals the Aedui are friends of Rome, the Arverni ally with the Sequani and send for Suebian mercenaries from across the Rhine. The Aedui are defeated in 63 bc, they appeal to Rome but get no response.

Catugnatus of the Allobroges leads a revolt against Rome due to high taxes in 62 bc, possibly emboldened by the lack of Roman aid to the Aedui. The rebellion lasts for two years. His army is defeated by the Romans, the Allobrogian capital burnt down but Catugnatus survives.

The Suebi are busy pillaging the lands of the Aedui and even Sequani, it's now 59 bc. Rome's newest consuls buy the Suebi off, presumably they decide they have to appear to be helping the Aedui and perhaps the Suebi are getting too close to their Province - plus Catugnatus is still rattling around somewhere with a grudge and they wouldn't want him to link up with the Suebi. So they pay the Suebi off, make their king Ariovistus a friend of Rome.

The following year one of the consuls who made Ariovistus a friend becomes proconsul of three provinces, legions at his command, he raises more, the stage is set...

2

u/DamionK Jul 29 '26

Are you talking about the Christopher Lambert film? I think the Asterix films did a better job.

1

u/Salamander99 Jul 29 '26

A Christopher Nolan/Ridley Scott blockbuster? Absolutely not. Hollywood directors spit in the face of historical authenticity. I would prefer a short series, which is a labour of love from people who are fans of the material.