New details: Gal Gadot, 36, is opening up about her role in the upcoming Cleopatra film

The Israeli actress went on to share that one of the goals of the film is to ‘show not just how 𝑠e𝑥y and appealing she was, but how strategic and smart, and how much impact she had and still has on the world we’re living in today.’

She added, ‘I’ve watched all the Cleopatra movies throughout history, but I feel like we’re telling the story the world needs to hear now.’

Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins had originally been tabbed to helm the upcoming epic film, but she recently stepped down will now serve as a producer.

Sexy and smart: The Wonder Woman star maintains one of the goals of the upcoming Cleopatra film is to ‘show not just how 𝑠e𝑥y and appealing she was, but how strategic and smart, and how much impact she had and still has on the world we’re living in today’

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier (2021) miniseries director Kari Skogland has since stepped in to replace Jenkins in December.

Over the decades, the list of actresses who have played the iconic role include the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Vivian Leigh, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Loren, as well as silent movie actress Theda Bara.

Upon the announcement that Gadot landed the role, backlash erupted from critics claiming that an Arab or African actress should play Cleopatra.

‘First of all, if you want to be true to the facts then Cleopatra was Macedonian,’ the Red Notice star said in response to the outrage in October 2020, adding, ‘We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn’t there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra.’

Taking on the critics: The Israeli actress responded to backlash that an Arab or African actress should play Cleopatra in the new film version, during an interview with InStyle

She continued, ‘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 honor this amazing historic icon that I admire so much.’

Gadot went on to share, ‘You know, anybody can make this movie and anybody can go ahead and do it. I’m very passionate that I’m going to do my own too.’

Cleopatra was the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, a descendan

Iconic: Elizabeth Taylor starred alongside Richard Burton in the epic historical drama film, Cleopatra, in 1963; it received nine Oscar nominations, winning four for Best Art Direction (Color), Best Cinematography (Color), Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design (Color)

Cleopatra actresses: Elizabeth Taylor was among the list of actresses who have played the historic queen of Egypt over the decades, which also includes Vivien Leigh, Monica Bellucci, Sophia Loren, as well as silent movie actress Theda Bara