Gal Gadot appears unfazed by critics who question her suitability for the role of Cleopatra in the upcoming film portrayal of the iconic Egyptian ruler. In response to the controversy, Gadot took to Twitter to share photos that highlight her Middle Eastern heritage, coinciding with her feature in Vanity Fair's November cover story.
While the criticism focused less on Gadot's acting abilities and more on the casting of a white actress in the role of Cleopatra, the actress indirectly addressed the issue through her post. Scholars in the field of Egyptology joined the debate on Twitter, offering varying perspectives on Cleopatra's ancestry and the appropriate casting choices.
In the past, numerous white actresses, including Claudette Colbert, Vivien Leigh, and Elizabeth Taylor, portrayed the ancient Egyptian ruler. These casting choices were not heavily contested at the time, as prevailing beliefs held that Cleopatra had Macedonian-Greek lineage, tracing back to one of Alexander the Great's generals.
The untitled Cleopatra project, directed by Patty Jenkins, reunites Gadot with the filmmaker following their successful collaboration on Wonder Woman. The screenplay is being penned by Laeta Kalogridis, known for her work on Oliver Stone's Alexander. However, no production start date has been announced for the highly anticipated film.