“Don’t watch the show”: Queen Cleopatra Actress Unfazed by Criticism While Gal Gadot Prepares for Movie With Wonder Woman Director Patty Jenkins Risking Whitewashing Label
The long-anticipated trailer of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra was finally released earlier this month but the casting choice has left the fans divided. The character of Queen Cleopatra VII in the upcoming Netflix docu-series will be played by Adele James who is of mixed heritage. However, some historians around the world have argued that the first-century Egyptian ruler was of Greek origin. Therefore, some Egyptians are angered by the fact that the character was not played by someone of light skin.
Also read: Cleopatra: Gal Gadot’s Film Will Now Be Directed By ‘Falcon & The Winter Soldier’ Director
However, Adele James paid absolutely no heed to such people and had a strong reply for them instead.
An Egyptian lawyer filed a complaint against the upcoming Netflix Queen Cleopatra docu-series
An archeologist, Zahi Hawass recently claimed the portrayal of Queen Cleopatra in the upcoming Netflix docu-series as “completely fake“. There have been many arguments about the race of the Egyptian queen. Many Egyptian archeologists have argued that Queen Cleopatra was of Greek origin and was therefore light-skinned. However, there is another group of historians who argue that the mother of the Egyptian queen could’ve been of African origin.
Earlier this week, an Egyptian lawyer Mahmoud al-Semary, also filed a complaint to block Netflix in Egypt. According to Semary, Netflix is promoting “the Afrocentric thinking … which includes slogans and writings aimed at distorting and erasing the Egyptian identity.” However, Adele James, who plays the role of Queen Cleopatra in the upcoming docu-series was having none of it.
Adele James’ absolutely insane response to the critics
The actress, Adele James was not having any of the drama from the Egyptian lawyers. The English actress took to her Twitter and asked the critics to not watch the show if they have so many problems with the casting. She wrote, “If you don’t like the casting don’t watch the show. Or do & engage in (expert) opinions different from yours. Either way, I’M GASSED and will continue to be!”
Well, this ain’t the first time that there have been controversies over the race of Queen Cleopatra. When Gal Gadot was all set to appear as the Egyptian queen in a movie directed by the director of Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins, there were a lot of controversies even then. The critics argued back then that the role should be played by either an Arab or African actor.
Queen Cleopatra is all set to be released on Netflix on 10th May.
Source: Variety
