Gal Gadot will portray the pharaoh of ancient Egypt in a new film directed by her ‘Wonder Woman’ director Patty Jenkins, and will offer fans a sneak peek at what to anticipate from her interpretation of the character.
“I can’t reveal a lot but I can tell you that we’re going to celebrate the Cleopatra story. 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 told InStyle magazine.
According to femalefirst.co.uk, the historical figure has been represented on the big screen a number of times, most famously by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 film ‘Cleopatra.’ However, Gal Gadot claims that Kari Skogland’s project would be unlike any other.
Gal also remarked: “I’ve watched all the Cleopatra movies throughout history but I feel like we’re telling the story the world needs to hear now.”
When the Israeli actress was hired, there was a reaction, with some claiming that the role should have gone to an Arab or African actress.
Gadot retaliated by claiming that Cleopatra, whose ethnicity has been a point of contention among historians, was from Macedonia, but that the appropriate Macedonian actress “wasn’t present.” Her explanation was: “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. And I was very passionate about Cleopatra.”
Gal also added: “I have friends from across the globe whether they’re Muslims, Christian, Catholic, atheist, Buddhist or Jewish, of course ‘People are people’. And with me, I want to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honor this amazing historic icon that I admire so much.”