Gal Gadot Responds to Backlash Over Cleopatra Role

Gal Gadot is set to star as Cleopatra in a film helmed by Wonder Woman‘s Patty Jenkins, and the casting caused some backlash.

Since the casting news was revealed, Gal faced backlash for whitewashing claims.

“First of all, if you want to be true to the facts then Cleopatra was Macedonian,” Gal said in response to the outrage. “We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra.”

“I have friends from across the globe, whether they’re Muslims or Christian or Catholic or atheist or Buddhist, or Jewish of course,” she continued. “People are people, and with me I want to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honor this amazing historic icon that I admire so much.”

She added, “You know, anybody can make this movie and anybody can go ahead and do it. I’m very passionate that I’m going to do my own too.”

Gal‘s movie, Wonder Woman 1984, will stream on HBO Max on Christmas. A talk show host recently revealed a major spoiler.