Outrage over casting Gal Gadot as Cleopatra
Cleopatra was famously played by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 film Cleopatra
Jerusalem24 – Cleopatra is set to be a period biographical drama scripted by Laeta Kalogridis, and will see Gadot team up once again with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, who is on board to direct. Gadot is said to have come up with the idea for the film, and the deal closed this weekend after the actor took part in a select number of Zoom pitches, accompanied by producers of the new film.
Gadot has said the film will bring Cleopatra to the big screen ‘in a way she’s never been seen before’ in an effort to ‘tell her story for the first time through women’s eyes, both behind and in front of the camera.’
However, her casting in the lead role has become subject to debate online.
Cleopatra is an Egyptian queen, the daughter of Ptolemy and ancestor of the leader of Alexander the Great’s army. Despite her ties to Egypt, scholars have often identified Cleopatra as someone of Greek ancestry, with debates regarding some Persian and Syrian ancestry, too. Gadot is an Israeli actress, and the news of her being cast in the film has prompted mixed reactions from fans.
Others still were in support of Gadot’s casting.
No release date has been given for the Gadot-led version of the film, but it is said to have an accelerated timetable with Paramount Pictures creating an urgency to mount a big budget theatrical release film as quickly as possible.
