Director Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, is now working on a project based on Cleopatra. And Zendaya is set to play the Egyptian ruler in the movie produced by Sony Pictures.
Almost six years ago, there were talks about Villeneuve directing Cleopatra, but there haven’t been many updates since. Now, with Dune: Part 2 is in the way, people think the director might start filming Cleopatra now.
However, fans aren’t pleased with the update, especially since Gal Gadot is considering the same controversial role.
Zendaya’s Next Film Role Draws Criticism
Krysty Wilson-Cairns, the writer of Last Night in Soho, is currently rewriting Denis Villeneuve’s Cleopatra. Zendaya is still confirmed to play the role.
Zendaya collaborated with Villeneuve in Dune (2021), a science fiction epic film praised for its direction, screenplay, visual effects, and acting. She’s also appearing in the sequel scheduled for release in March.
Fans aren’t pleased with the movie update. For those unaware, there are multiple Cleopatra movie projects in development. Apart from Villeneuve’s project with Zendaya, there’s another film featuring Gal Gadot as the titular character.
In an interview with Vogue Hong Kong, Gadot shared her excitement about the film. She explained choosing to cast herself, rather than an Egyptian. The DC star said:
“Israel borders Egypt, and I grew up with so many stories about Cleopatra, and she’s like a household name. You know, if Wonder Woman is the imaginary strong female leader, Cleopatra’s actually the real one. 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. 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. But the truth is, there’s so much more to her. This woman was so ahead of her time. Egypt and what Egypt was back then, was still futuristic to where we are today. I can’t say much.”
She added, “But to me, I’m so passionate to tell her story and to bring justice to this character, and her legacy and celebrate her and her legacy. We have a beautiful script, and I cannot wait to share this story with the world and change the narrative of Cleopatra simply being a seductor.”
Check out some fans reactions on this:
Yeah I hope this stays a rumour
— Yomama 🥝 Klara's protector (@Wendyssoup) February 5, 2024
I like Zendaya, but she doesn't look Greek.
— Alector (@Alector87) February 5, 2024
Fire Zendaya…She does not Look Like Cleopatra at All…She's also a very Mid Actress….Get Soemone New Denis.
— Sohan Biswas (@sohan_biswas) February 5, 2024
Zendaya to play cleopatra? Bruh wtf?
— Zain (@MysticalBoy22) February 5, 2024
This would be Denis first miss if he stars zendaya. I don't think she has that level of depth of acting to pull it off at all.
Number 2 after that netlfix controversy o don't think sony would want to make a controversial film for someone who can't pull it off— Humble fish (@humblefish0) February 5, 2024
Looks like, fans are not happy to see Zendaya pave her way to the throne because she isn’t Greek. They fear that her features and English accent won’t go well with the character.
What’s More About Denis Villeneuve Upcoming Project Cleopatra?
Daniel Richtman, a reliable insider (via Yahoo News), suggests Villeneuve might cast his Dune stars in his next film. Zendaya is set for Cleopatra, and Timothée Chalamet is offered Octavius. Daniel Craig is under consideration for Caesar. Fans might want to wait for an official announcement despite the intriguing information.
This version isn’t the same as Gal Gadot and Patty Jenkins’, which has been stuck since 2020. As per The Knight Edge Media, Villeneuve plans to work with Dune‘s Zendaya, Chalamet, and Daniel Craig. However, they haven’t signed on due to the SAG actor’s strike. Amy Pascal will produce the film, and production is expected to start this year.
Dune: 2 is set to release on March 1, 2024.
