Actor Gal Gadot, best known for portraying ‘Diana Prince’ & ‘Wonder Woman’ in the DC Extended Universe films, announced on The International Day of the Girl that she would represent the queen of Egypt, ‘Cleopatra’ in an upcoming film by ‘Wonder Woman’ director Patty Jenkins.
Gadot released the news through her verified Twitter account:
“As you might have heard I teamed up with @PattyJenks and @LKalogridis to bring the story of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, to the big screen in a way she’s never been seen before. To tell her story for the first time through women’s eyes, both behind and in front of the camera.”
The 35-year-old actor, who currently appeared on Netflix movie ‘Red Notice’ alongside Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, went on to say in another Tweet:
“And we are especially thrilled to be announcing this on #InternationalDayoftheGirl We hope women and girls all around the world, who aspire to tell stories will never give up on their dreams and will make their voices heard, by and for other women.”
Despite more than 25K likes on Twitter, a good number of users criticized the casting by alleging “cultural whitewashing.” Because ‘Cleopatra’ comes from the Ancient Greek, some wrote that an Arab or African actor should take the role.
“Can’t wait to boycott this whitewashing disaster, so many wrongs!” wrote, Wael Mansour.
“Gal… I’m a fan. As a black, female, Environmental Safety Scientist, this is an EXCELLENT example of why I can’t break into some scientific circles. #WhiteWashing. Cleopatra was an AFRICAN Egyptian and was likely of color” added, Gwen K. Lynn.
See below to view Gadot’s tweets.
And we are especially thrilled to be announcing this on #InternationalDayoftheGirl
We hope women and girls all around the world, who aspire to tell stories will never give up on their dreams and will make their voices heard, by and for other women.— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) October 12, 2020
