Astérix creators René Goscinny & Albert Uderzo had no input in the first Asterix feature, Asterix the Gaul (1967), which was made by Georges Dargaud without their consent. For this second animated film, they decided to take control. Uderzo even came to the conclusion that Astérix's legs had to be made a bit longer to enable him to walk properly and subsequently changed the way he drew the character.
In most Asterix books, Obelix is not permitted to drink the Magic Potion, but Getafix makes an exception due to an extraordinary requirement (the need to force open a solid stone door inside a pyramid which apparently, even Obelix's regular level strength is incapable of doing). Obelix notices no difference, but keeps asking for more potion in subsequent volumes.
Obelix's dog, Dogmatix, is named for the first time in this story. It is also the first story in which Dogmatix takes a significant role (rescuing the heroes from a maze inside a Pyramid).
Asterix and Cleopatra has been adapted for film twice: first as an animated 1968 film entitled Asterix and Cleopatra, and then as a live-action 2002 film called Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra.
The recurring pirate characters appear in the book, though on this occasion they sink their own ship rather than endure a fight with the Gauls.