Morocco, which recently hosted the teams for Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, is familiar territory for large-scale Hollywood productions. Cult works such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Game of Thrones have already benefited from its varied and spectacular natural settings. In Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Desert,” opening scenes of Gladiator II were filmed on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains.
An expected historical fresco
Cleopatra promises to revisit the story of one of the most fascinating figures of antiquity. This feature film will retrace significant events in the life of the Egyptian queen, including her role in the political intrigues of Rome and her influence on iconic figures such as Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. The story will also explore the dynastic tensions within the Ptolemaic family, offering a dive into the mysteries of power in ancient Egypt.
Since its announcement in 2020, the project has undergone several notable developments. Initially entrusted to Patty Jenkins, the production was taken over in 2021 by Kari Skogland, famous for her work on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In 2022, production changed studios from Paramount Pictures to Universal Pictures.
Gal Gadot, tipped to play Cleopatra, is pursuing a career marked by varied roles. Revealed by her interpretation of Wonder Woman, the Israeli actress has since multiplied major projects, notably appearing in Red Notice alongside Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, as well as in Death on the Nile, adapted from Agatha Christie. In 2025, she will star in Disney’s Snow White remake, where she will play the Evil Queen.
