Cleopatra, the last active pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, remains an irresistible muse for filmmakers. Most recently, Denis Villeneuve, the director behind acclaimed sci-fi epics like Dune and Arrival, is rumoured to helm a new film about the iconic queen. Zendaya is on the cast list to portray Cleopatra, with David Scarpa (known for Napoleon) writing the script based on Stacy Schiff’s biography Cleopatra: A Life.
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Cleopatra’s influence
The impact of Cleopatra extends far beyond the silver screen. Her image and story have permeated various aspects of popular culture, solidifying her place as a cultural icon. She has inspired everything from fashion trends and makeup styles to literature and music. The iGaming industry frequently features Cleopatra as a central theme in slot games, often depicting her in elaborate costumes and amidst opulent settings.
Games like Cleopatra by IGT, Age of Egypt by Playtech, or Queen of the Pyramids by Play’n GO capitalise on her association with luxury, intrigue, and exoticness. They feature a variety of symbols related to Egyptian mythology, with Cleopatra being one of the main symbols.
Her life, a whirlwind of political intrigue, romance, and tragedy, has provided fertile ground for countless films. However, not every cinematic vision of Cleopatra sees the light of day. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of unmade Cleopatra films, exploring the stories that never were.
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The unmade dreams of Cleopatra
One prominent example is The Reign of Cleopatra, a project envisioned by MGM in the 1950s. This ambitious film aimed to be a historical epic, chronicling Cleopatra’s entire life and reign. The project even had renowned actress Eleanor Parker attached to play the lead. However, disagreements over the script and budget ultimately led to its cancellation. Film enthusiasts can only imagine Parker’s portrayal and what insights the film might have offered into Cleopatra’s life story.
Another notable unmade project is David Fincher’s Cleopatra. In 2010, Angelina Jolie was attached to a film about Cleopatra based on Stacy Schiff’s biography, with Fincher at the helm. This project aimed to offer a nuanced portrayal of Cleopatra, focusing on her political acumen and strategic brilliance, challenging the stereotypical portrayals of the queen solely as a captivating beauty. Unfortunately, the project stalled in 2012 for various reasons, including reported budgetary concerns and creative differences, leaving Fincher’s vision unrealised.
American film director Steven Soderbergh even planned a 3D Cleopatra musical film titled Cleo back in 2008. It was intended to be a unique take on the story, with a rock and roll soundtrack by the indie rock band Guided by Voices. Soderbergh even had his sights set on A-list actors for the lead roles, considering Catherine Zeta-Jones for Cleopatra and Hugh Jackman for Mark Antony. However, despite the intriguing concept and star power attached, Cleo never materialised.
Beyond individual projects, several historical trends have contributed to unmade Cleopatra films. The massive financial burden of historical epics and the ever-changing tastes of audiences often posed significant challenges to bringing these ambitious projects to fruition. Additionally, the complex portrayal of a powerful female ruler navigating a male-dominated world could be risky for studios, potentially hindering production.
Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film promises a fresh perspective on Cleopatra, potentially offering a more nuanced and historically informed portrayal, perhaps similar to Fincher’s vision. Regardless of the interpretation, one thing remains certain: Cleopatra will continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences.
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Image at the op: Elizabeth Taylor is pictured as Cleopatra in the eponymous 1963 film, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz
