The announcement that Israeli actress Gal Gadot will play Cleopatra in an upcoming historical blockbuster has attracted the outrage of many Twitter users. 

On Sunday the 35-year-old confirmed she would play the titular role for the film, which will see the actress reunite with her Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins. 

The casting drew outrage on social media, with many users claiming Cleopatra was black or North African, and should have been cast accordingly. 

Sameera Khan, a former Miss New Jersey and RT correspondent wrote: “Which Hollywood dumbass thought it would be a good idea to cast an Israeli actress as Cleopatra (a very bland looking one) instead of a stunning Arab actress like Nadine Njeim? 

“And shame on you, Gal Gadot. Your country steals Arab land & you’re stealing their movie roles... [shaking my head]”. 

Later, she retweeted another user who said: “Whatever you think of her being cast as Cleopatra, never forget that Gal Gadot proudly served (and continues to support) a colonial army notorious for maiming and murdering civilians.” 

Abdul El-Sayed, an American politician and medical doctor, asked: “So...there were no Egyptian women to play, um, an *Egyptian* queen?” 

“People are upset because Gal Gadot, who isn't black, is playing Cleopatra, who wasn’t black either,” Journalist Ian Miles Cheong quipped. 

Right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro wrote: “Only the fossilized remains of Cleopatra are allowed to play Cleopatra”. 

“Cleopatra is a story I wanted to tell for a very long time. Can’t be more excited and grateful,” Ms Gadot wrote on her Instagram. 

The script will be penned by Laeta Kalogridis, who is responsible for Shutter Island and Terminator Genisys.