Gal Gadot's Cleopatra: A "Slap in the Face" to Greece?

Gal Gadot promises a "sexy" and "smart" portrayal of Cleopatra in her upcoming film, directed by her 'Wonder Woman' collaborator Patty Jenkins.

Speaking with InStyle magazine, the 36-year-old actress emphasized the film's focus on celebrating Cleopatra's multifaceted legacy: "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."

Gadot acknowledges the iconic portrayals of Cleopatra throughout cinematic history, particularly Elizabeth Taylor's memorable performance. However, she believes this film offers a fresh perspective: "I've watched all the Cleopatra movies throughout history but I feel like we're telling the story the world needs to hear now."

The casting of Gadot sparked controversy, with some arguing for an Arab or African actress to play the role. Addressing the criticism, Gadot pointed to the historical debate surrounding Cleopatra's heritage, asserting that she was Macedonian: "First of all, if you want to be true to the facts, then Cleopatra was Macedonian… We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there."

Gadot further defended her casting, emphasizing her passion for the project and her belief in celebrating Cleopatra's legacy: "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 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."

Netflix’s Black Cleopatra Has Lowest Audience Score In Rotten Tomatoes History