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'What next Keanu Reeves as Nelson Mandela': Internet slams Netflix for 'inaccurate' portrayal of Cleopatra in ‘Queen Cleopatra’ docuseries

While the premise of docuseries based on Cleopatra sounds promising, the internet doesn’t deem Adele James fit for the role

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Let’s face it, the internet is a brutal place and there’s plenty of room for criticism, memes, and some major backlash, especially when it comes to the world of documentary films and docuseries. Netflix most recently announced a docuseries titled ‘Queen Cleopatra’ and the internet has left no stone unturned, and all credit goes to the casting of Cleopatra herself. Adele James is a talented up-and-coming actress and screenwriter, best known for her work in the TV series, ‘Casualty.’

While the premise of docuseries based on Cleopatra sounds promising, the internet doesn’t deem Adele James fit for the role, and they have not held back on casting their opinions. Between historical accuracies, lawsuits against Netflix, and a whole lot of commotion, will ‘Queen Cleopatra’ make it to your screen on Netflix?

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What’s the ‘Queen Cleopatra’ controversy all about?

Historical inaccuracy. That’s the best way to describe the most recent controversy that has sparked date over different social media platforms. Cleopatra is one of the most famous historical figures, whose reign dates back to 51–30 BCE, a time when Netflix, the internet, and even photography didn’t exist. However, there have been historians who have studied Cleopatra, and what she might have looked like, and Netflix seems to have dropped the ball there.

Frankly, there would have been very little controversy if this wasn’t a docuseries, but the second ‘documentary’ is attached to a form of media, it has to be historically and factually correct. ‘Queen Cleopatra’ director, Tina Gharavi, defended the casting of Adele James, and asked the internet, “What bothers you so much about a Black Cleopatra?” as per Variety. Well, the internet definitely has answers to her question.

'The historical inaccuracy is what bothers most people'

Anyone and everyone has an answer to Tina Gharavi’s question, which she might just regret asking following the major uproar on social media. An internet user coherently answered the question, “Nothing. Except for the historical inaccuracies of the character, they are trying to wipe away. Should ask "What bothers you so much about a white Fredrick Douglass?" I know-- let's make Cassius Clay Christian.”  Others have taken a similar path with tweets that ask, “Then why not do a white George Foreman movie?”

In fact, some people have also gone to the extent of boycotting Netflix, “Time to Cancel Netflix, it has become Woke as hell. #boycottnetflix.” Netflix has most definitely faced all sorts of backlash before for not being woke enough, but the tables have certainly turned this time around. Some people have resorted to a mix of history and humor, like one particular internet user who said, “The fact that she wasn't black?  I don't know, what bothers you about a red crocodile?”

However, at the end of the day, it all boils down to history as someone wrote, “The historical inaccuracy is what bothers most people.” And another commenter spoke on behalf of an entire country, “Seems like it bothers Egypt.” The comments on the official trailer of ‘Queen Cleopatra’ have been turned off, so that’s one place Netflix won’t be taking any criticism!

You can stream ‘Queen Cleopatra’ on Netflix from May 10, 2023.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.