Gal Gadot wants to "celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra" in her upcoming film.
The 35-year-old actress will reteam with her 'Wonder Woman' director Patty Jenkins to portray the ruler of ancient Egypt in a new movie but the Israeli star's casting has sparked a backlash, with people arguing an Arab or African actress should have been chosen for the iconic role.
And Gal has now hit back, insisting Cleopatra - whose race has been subject to debate among historians - was actually Macedonian but the right Macedonian actress "wasn't there".
She told BBC Arabic: “First of all, if you want to be true to the facts, then Cleopatra was Macedonian.
“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 … People are people. And with me, I want to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honour this amazing historic icon that I admire so much.”
