Israeli actress Gal Gadot to play Egyptian Queen Cleopatra in new film

"All I ever saw in regards to Cleopatra from film was that she was this seductive woman who had an affair with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony," Gal Gadot said.

 Gal Gadot poses on the pink carpet for the world premiere of the film "Barbie" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 9, 2023.  (photo credit: REUTERS/MIKE BLAKE)
Gal Gadot poses on the pink carpet for the world premiere of the film "Barbie" in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 9, 2023.
(photo credit: REUTERS/MIKE BLAKE)

Israeli actress Gal Gadot is set to take on the role of Cleopatra, the famed ancient queen of Egypt, according to the star's recent interview with Vogue Hong Kong.

Gadot, 38, spoke with the publication for their July issue while promoting her upcoming spy film Heart of Stone. The actress, who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, felt it was her responsibility to portray Cleopatra as "a household name" in her native country of Israel which shares a border with Egypt.

"You know, if Wonder Woman is the imaginary strong female leader, Cleopatra’s actually the real one," the actress told Vogue Hong Kong. "That’s a perfect example of a story that I wanted to tell because I started reading different books about Cleopatra, and I said, wow, that’s fascinating." 

Gal Gadot's relationship with Cleopatra

"All I ever saw in regards to Cleopatra from film was that she was this seductive woman who had an affair with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony," Gadot explained.

 Gal Gadot in Death on the Nile. (credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)
Gal Gadot in Death on the Nile. (credit: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

Though the film is yet to enter production, the actress has been open about her excitement to portray this historical leader, according to Vogue Hong Kong. "I’m so passionate to tell her story and to bring justice to this character and her legacy and celebrate her and her legacy," adding that the team "[has] a beautiful script, and I cannot wait to share this story with the world and change the narrative of Cleopatra simply being a [seductress]."