Gal Gadot's long-awaited Cleopatra film is one step closer to production with the star confirming the script is now complete. Back in October of 2020, after the completion of Wonder Woman 1984, it was announced that Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins would reteam for Cleopatra, a film chronicling the life of the famed Queen of Egypt, which was to be written by Laeta Kalogridis. Jenkins was on board to direct while Gadot would be co-producing the film alongside Paramount Pictures with her production company, Pilot Wave Motion Pictures.
The announcement that Gadot would play the lead role was met with criticism, with many calling out the actor over concerns of whitewashing and demanding that, since Cleopatra was Macedonian, an actor from that country should be cast. Gadot responded to the criticism, saying that they were ultimately unable to find a Macedonian actor who was right for the part and that she's taking on the role because she's very passionate about the project. Although there hasn't been an update on the film for several months now, Sony was reportedly also working on a separate Cleopatra-related project with Denis Villeneuve in talks to direct, but it's unclear if that film is still in active development.
In a new interview with Collider to promote Red Notice, Gadot provides a brief update on Cleopatra and reveals that work is still very much going on for the film behind-the-scenes. Gadot confirms that the script is now complete and that she's looking forward to bringing the story to the big screen. Check out Gadot's full comment below:
“Cleopatra is definitely still happening. We have an amazing script and I cannot wait to celebrate and bring her story to the big screen.”
While Gadot doesn't go into any details regarding the story or when the movie will be filmed, things are definitely still moving forward. Both Gadot and Jenkins are signed on to do Wonder Woman 3 and Jenkins is also still signed on to direct a Star Wars Rogue Squadron film (which was just delayed due to scheduling conflicts), so it's not entirely clear when their schedules will allow for Cleopatra to be shot. It's also entirely possible that Cleopatra is the reason why Rogue Squadron has been delayed and that cameras will roll on the period piece next year, but that's just conjecture at this point.
It remains to be seen whether fans will embrace Gadot in the titular role when Cleopatra does eventually release, but, for the time being, she certainly seems enthusiastic about taking on the role and producing the film. As one of the biggest stars in the world, Gadot wields a great amount of power in the film industry, but contracts and conflicting schedules cause countless delays in Hollywood every year, so it's anyone's guess as to when audiences will actually get to see Cleopatra. For now, fans of Gadot can catch her in the upcoming Netflix action-comedy, Red Notice, which is set to hit the streamer on Friday.
Source: Collider