Israeli actor Gal Gadot’s announcement that she will star as Cleopatra in an upcoming Paramount film has been met with fierce criticism.
Many people on social media have called out the actor, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, saying it should have been given to a person of colour in order to be historically accurate and representative.
Gadot shared her excitement in taking up the role on Twitter, saying that the film will tell Cleopatra’s story “for the first time through women’s eyes, both behind and in front of the camera”.
The film was Gadot’s idea and will be directed by Patty Jenkins and scripted by Laeta Kalogridis.
Cleopatra was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, ruling Egypt from 51BC to 30BC. She was the descendant of Ptolemy I, who was of Macedonian Greek heritage, and established himself as the king of Egypt following the death of Alexander the Great.
Gadot’s announcement on Instagram was also met with a backlash, with hundreds of people commenting that the film will likely “whitewash history” and that it should include more representation of Greeks and North Africans.
Some questioned if any of the other actors in the film would be of Greek or Egyptian origin, although further details on castings of other roles are yet to be announced.
Many of the critiques also cited Gadot’s role in supporting the Israeli army, for which she has received criticism in the past.
