Gal Gadot has opened up about her upcoming Cleopatra film, after the announcement received mixed reactions.

The Wonder Woman actress is set to star as the queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, and has said it’s the story ‘the world needs to hear’.

She told InStyle: ‘I can’t reveal a lot, but I can tell you that we’re going to celebrate the Cleopatra story. We’re going 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.’

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

Gal, 36, previously announced her involvement in the project, tweeting: ‘I love embarking on new journeys, I love the excitement of new projects, the thrill of bringing new stories to life. Cleopatra is a story I wanted to tell for a very long time. Can’t be more grateful about this A team!!’

Some are excited for the film, while others have argued that Gal is not the right actress for the role.

Others have said that we simply don’t need another take on Cleopatra, and that there are many more women in history to be celebrated.

Elizabeth Taylor previously played Cleopatra, in the 1963 movie, while actresses Vivien Leigh and Claudette Colbert have also played the character.

Gal Gadot made her name in the Fast & Furious franchise and playing Wonder Woman in the DC movies.

She also starred in Justice League, and recently in Red Notice alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Ryan Reynolds.

Gal will also return for a third Wonder Woman movie.

Cleopatra does not yet have a release date.