Universal Studios is going to take over the movie “Cleopatra,” which stars Gal Gadot. The film was originally planned to be made by Paramount Pictures, but Paramount cannot meet the timing needs for the movie’s creative elements. While Paramount is still interested in the project, Universal Studios will now be responsible for making the film.
Initially, “Cleopatra” was planned to be made at Paramount with Gal Gadot and her “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins leading the project. However, when Jenkins stepped down from directing duties, Kari Skogland, known for helming Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” was brought in as the new director. Despite the changes, Jenkins remains involved in the film as an executive producer. It’s worth noting that as of now, no agreements have been finalized between Universal and the key individuals involved in the project, according to Deadline.
The Plot
“Cleopatra” aims to depict the fascinating real-life story of the Egyptian princess who reigned over the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, serving as its final active ruler. She was born to Ptolemy, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great. The turmoil in Egypt escalated when Pompey, Julius Caesar’s mentor-turned-rival, sought refuge there following a conflict for control of the empire. This sparked Roman rulers’ interest in Egypt. Subsequently, Cleopatra and her brother engaged in a power struggle for the Egyptian throne. Ultimately, Cleopatra emerged victorious by personally appealing to Caesar. She had a complex relationship with Rome, becoming both the lover of Caesar and later of Marc Antony. However, her alliance with Antony would ultimately lead to their downfall.
Cleopatra’s life has been a subject of several Hollywood films in the past, with one of the most notable being the 1963 epic featuring Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra and Richard Burton as Mark Antony. The movie garnered significant attention, both for its portrayal of Cleopatra and Antony’s romance onscreen and for the real-life affair between Taylor and Burton. Despite being the highest-grossing film of that year and receiving four Oscars out of nine nominations, “Cleopatra” initially faced challenges. It encountered various controversies during the production, including changes in directors and cast members, resulting in the film becoming the most expensive production in Hollywood history at that time.
Cleopatra Movie Release Date
During a February interview with InStyle, Gal Gadot shared some insights about the “Cleopatra” project. While she couldn’t disclose many details, she expressed that the film would celebrate the story of Cleopatra. Gadot mentioned that the movie would showcase not only Cleopatra’s allure and attractiveness but also her strategic thinking, intelligence, and the significant impact she had and continues to have on the world today.
Reported plan is for the Cleopatra movie to see a release sometime in 2023 May.
