The film that will tell the Pharaoh’s story for the first time through women’s eyes starring Gal Gadot is still in the works notwithstanding drawbacks it has faced. We’ll share with you what we know so far.
Announced in 2020, Gadot took to Twitter the news of her upcoming film Cleopatra, which will be brought to the big screens “in a way she’s never seen before”. She added, “And we are especially thrilled to be announcing this on #InternationalDayoftheGirl We hope women and girls all around the world, who aspire to tell stories will never give up on their dreams and will make their voices heard, by and for other women.”
As you might have heard I teamed up with @PattyJenks and @LKalogridis to bring the story of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, to the big screen in a way she’s never been seen before. To tell her story for the first time through women’s eyes, both behind and in front of the camera. pic.twitter.com/k5eyTIfzjB
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) October 12, 2020
In the movie, Gadot will star as the Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt between 51 and 30 BC, and was the last active ruler of the kingdom. She was the daughter of Ptolemy, the Macedonian Greek general, and companion of Alexander the Great.
The difference between Gadot’s version of Cleopatra and the 1963 movie? Women are taking the lead this time – with Gadot also being one of the producers and writers.
In an interview with InStyle last January 2022, Gadot teased a small detail about her movie, saying, “We’re going to show not just how sexy and appealing she was, but how strategic and smart, and how much impact she had and still has on the world we’re living in today. I’ve watched all the Cleopatra movies throughout history, but I feel like we’re telling the story the world needs to hear now.”
And of course, as you portray one of the most renowned people in history, you will be bound to receive criticism. Just as when the project was announced, some people called out the apparent ‘whitewashing’ of Cleopatra by casting Gadot. They argued that the role of Cleopatra should have been given to black actress.
However, through an interview with BBC Arabic, Gadot defended her role for in the movie. “First of all if you want to be true to the facts then Cleopatra was Macedonian,” she said. “We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra.”
“I have friends from across the globe, whether they’re Muslims or Christian or Catholic or atheist or Buddhist, or Jewish of course… People are people, and with me I want to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honour this amazing historic icon that I admire so much,” she added.
The actress also said that she wants to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honour the amazing historic icon that she admires so much. She added, “But anybody can make this movie, and anybody can go ahead and do it. I’m very passionate that I’m going to do my own too.”
As of now, there is still no news whether the movie is already in its production stage. However, recent headlines say that the movie is now being eyed by Universal Studios after its initial setup with Paramount Pictures.
According to an exclusive update from Deadline, while Paramount is still interested in Cleopatra, they were unable to meet the timeline that the creative elements required.
The upcoming Cleopatra movie will be directed by Kari Skogland with Laeta Kalogridis writing the screenplay.
What are your thoughts about Gal Gadot’s upcoming role as Cleopatra? Comment down below!
Featured photo by The Times