Gal Gadot faced controversy when playing Queen Cleopatra

In October, the news that Gal Gadot was chosen to play Queen Cleopatra caused a stir in public opinion. A part of the public believes that this decision is an act of “whitewashing” history – a problem that Hollywood has had for decades.

The National reported that in a recent interview, Gal Gadot explained her controversial role. The beauty revealed that the film crew tried to find an actress with the same Macedonian background as the queen.

Gal Gadot faced controversy when playing Queen Cleopatra

Previously, many viewers believed that the role should be given to a star of North African descent, even though Cleopatra was of Greek and Macedonian descent. “If you want to stick to the truth, Cleopatra was a Macedonian,” Gal Gadot shared in the interview.

“The film crew searched for an actress of Macedonian origin who would fit the image of Cleopatra. But that character hasn’t appeared yet, and I’ve always wanted to play the Queen of Egypt,” she continued.

The 35-year-old star will play Queen Cleopatra in an untitled film project from Paramount Pictures. The film is directed by Patty Jenkins, director of the two Wonder Woman films starring Gal Gadot.

Gadot said she wanted to praise Cleopatra and honor her through her new film work. “I have friends all over the world. They belong to many different races and religions… But in the end, they are all human,” the actress said. “The main role of the film could be anyone. But I’m happy that it’s me.”

Gal Gadot faced controversy when playing Queen Cleopatra

Historians believe that Cleopatra’s ancestors were partly of Persian origin, but they are not sure that the queen had traces of Egyptian descent.

Until today, no Egyptian actress has played Cleopatra in Hollywood blockbusters. The most impressive image of the Egyptian queen on screen belongs to Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963).

Gal Gadot, as co-producer of the project, said the film is the first time Cleopatra’s life is recreated through the eyes of women – both on screen and behind the camera.