Gal Gadot to play Cleopatra in next project, Twitter users debate over casting

Gal wrote on Twitter that she will collaborate with filmmaker Patty Jenkins and writer Laeta Kalogridis to bring the story of Cleopatra on the big screen.

She said the story of the Queen will be told onscreen in a way 'she’s never been seen before'.  

"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 Israeli actress tweeted.

Meanwhile, the trailer of her upcoming release Wonder Woman 1984 has been released by its makers.

It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

The film is directed by Patty Jenkins from a script she wrote with Geoff Johns and David Callaham, and a story by Johns and Jenkins.

It will star Gal Gadot as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen in supporting roles.  

However, some netizens expressed their unhappiness over Gal playing the character onscreen.

One user Tony tweeted: "Another attempt to white wash a historical figure! U are a white Isreali woman. Cleopatra was MACEDONIAN and EGYPTIAN. Its awful how u deny important roles to women of color!!!!"

Twitter user Jojo said: "Ummm... you're not Egyptian though? Why would you accept a role that may offend others? That just makes you someone whose willing to take role from others just to keep yourself relevant. It's very selfish of you and I'd rethink the role."

However, some users even came out in supporting Gal.

"To anyone saying that cleopatra should be played by a darker actress, that’s not correct as cleopatra was Greek and not dark! Please read history before you speak and complain," one posted.