Gal Gadot has defended her plans to play Cleopatra
Gal Gadot has defended her casting as Cleopatra after the film’s director was accused of 'whitewashing'.
When the news first broke in October, critics said an Arab or African actor should play the Egyptian Queen.
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Gal has now opened up and defended her plans to play Cleopatra following the accusations by some.
The Wonder Woman star has spoken out against the reaction and defended the movies casting in a new interview.
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Speaking to BBC Arabic Gal said, ‘First of all, if you want to be true to the facts, then Cleopatra was Macedonian.'
She further clarified that the team behind the production ‘were looking for a Macedonian actor that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn't there.’
But Gal still seems excited about her upcoming role and remains, ‘passionate about Cleopatra.'
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'Whitewashing' backlash
According to the Daily Mail, the film's director Patty Jenkins was accused of 'whitewashing' after casting a white Israeli woman back in October.
The move was met with some backlash with calls for the role to be given to an African or black actor instead.
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However, the calls of ‘whitewashing’ have been met with ridicule by other social media users who were quick to point out the Egyptian ruler was actually likely ethnically Greek or Persian.
It’s understood because the legendary ruler was Macedonian she was likely fair-skinned like the Gal, a white, Israeli actor.
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Earlier this month Gal returned as Wonder Woman in the in Wonder Woman 1984.
