Gal Gadot Cast as ‘Cleopatra’ in Period Film
Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot just got cast as the Greco-Egyptian ruler Cleopatra in the character-named film package that was recently won by Paramount Pictures. The period drama is being directed by Patty Jenkins with scriptwriting and executive production by Laeta Kalogridis.
‘Cleopatra’ is to be produced by Atlas Entertainment’s Charles Roven and Jenkins, alongside Gadot and her production company Pilot Wave Motion Pictures (PWMP) partner Jaron Varsano. The idea for the film was generated by Gadot herself through PWMP.
Similar to Wonder Woman, Cleopatra also champions female empowerment through the Egyptian Queen’s story to be told by women. The idea of this film has been long coming through the years since Elizabeth Taylor’s depiction in the 1963 film portraying Cleopatra as a seductress.
Gadot is also facing backlash on the casting over claims of whitewashing with possibilities of anti-Semitism due to her Israeli background. Everyone from random Twitters to film writers are criticizing her and claiming that the Egyptian Queen’s role should be cast with at least an African actress with preference being given to Arab or Egyptian options.
What do you think about this upcoming production and the casting?
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision
