From Executive Producer Jada Pinkett Smith and Netflix comes Queen Cleopatra. Part of the Documentary Series partnership which previously released African Queens: Njinga.
The series explores the lives of prominent and iconic African Queens. This season features Queen Cleopatra, the world’s most famous, powerful, and misunderstood woman — a daring queen whose beauty and romances came to overshadow her real asset: her intellect. Cleopatra’s heritage has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood. The series re-assesses this part of her story.
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Queen Cleopatra on Netflix is a stark yet realistic contrast from the traditional whitewashed depiction of the historical figure who has been portrayed on screen most famously by Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. These depictions were followed by the the iconic rumored battle for the role, between Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie, which set social media on fire.
The newest, and highly underrated adaptation, is led by actress Adele James. (Why Don’t They Highlight the Cast Anywhere?!)
“We don’t often get to see or hear stories about Black queens, and that was really important for me, as well as for my daughter, and just for my community to be able to know those stories because there are tons of them!” said Pickett Smith. “Cleopatra is a queen who many know about, but not in her truth. She’s been displayed as overtly sexual, excessive, and corrupt, yet she was a strategist, an intellect, a commanding force of nature, who fought to protect her kingdom… and her heritage is highly debated. This season will dive deeper into her history and re-assesses this fascinating part of her story.”
Queen Cleopatra will stream exclusively on Netflix May 10, 2023
Narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith
Executive Producers: Jada Pinkett Smith, Terence Carter, Miguel Melendez and Sahara Bushue for Westbrook Studios; Jane Root and Ben Goold for Nutopia
Writers: Peres Owino and NneNne Iwuji
Production Companies: Westbrook Studios, Nutopia
