Few characters in history spark so much curiosity as Cleopatra. The last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the one that ignited a feud with the most powerful empire in Ancient History, still fascinates us, and Hollywood’s insistence to keep making films, series, and documentaries about her is proof of that.
Just this year, Jada Pinkett Smith produced a docuseries focused on history’s femme fatale par excellence, a documentary that sparked outrage among the Egyptian community for choosing to depict her as an African Queen. Movie media outlets have now reported that Denis Villeneuve’s next film after Dune 2, will be based on the Pharaoh.
Zendaya as Cleopatra?
According to rumors, the film will start production in 2024 and will star no other than our favorite queen, Zendaya. However, although we do love her with all our soul, and she’s proven to be a walking icon, she might not be the best actress to accurately portray the great Cleopatra.
Although no official sources have confirmed the rumors, especially those regarding the cast, it’s likely that if true, Zendeya and Villeneuve will receive some backlash just as the docuseries did. Here’s why portraying a black Cleopatra could be problematic.
Was Cleopatra of African Descent?
While it’s challenging to scientifically determine her ethnicity, historical evidence points to her being the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which consisted of Greek-Macedonian kings that governed Egypt from 323 B.C. to 30 B.C. The Ptolemaic rulers were known for intermarrying within their bloodline, making it improbable that Cleopatra had indigenous Egyptian ancestry.
Contemporary depictions of Cleopatra showcase her with classic Greek features, a fact acknowledged by the Egyptian Government on social media during the announcement of a docuseries. The limited information about Cleopatra’s mother or grandmother raises questions about her origins, but it is highly unlikely that they were anything other than Macedonian.
The question of Cleopatra’s skin color becomes a focal point, with concerns raised about imposing a modern narrative on her life. In her time, concepts of ethnicity and skin color were not understood as they are today. Director Tina Gharavi defended her docuseries, questioning why some people insist on Cleopatra being portrayed as white. However, the series faces criticism for distorting historical facts and projecting modern ideas onto ancient times.
The series prompts discussions about ethnicity, identity, and the inaccurate portrayal of Cleopatra as a proud woman of specific roots. Egyptologist Monica Hanna warns against the misuse of the past for modern agendas, emphasizing the potential harm in presenting a distorted image of history.
The controversy extends to Afrocentrism, with some critics claiming an insistence on aligning Egypt’s history with that of Central African cultures. Afrocentrism, originally born as a means for African Americans to connect with their heritage, is criticized for attempting to fit Egypt’s grandeur into a narrative that oversimplifies its historical significance. This perspective erases the diverse and multicultural aspects that defined Ancient Egypt. Moreover, some Afrocentrists perpetuate the notion that today’s Egyptians descended from Arab invaders, erasing centuries of history and identity, leading to frustration among the Egyptian population.
