Scorsese reveals why Angelina Jolie’s Cleopatra film was scrapped

Martin Scorsese has opened up about the unexpected circumstances that prevented his planned film about Cleopatra from becoming a reality, revealing that the controversial Sony Pictures email hacking scandal played a significant role in its cancellation. The legendary filmmaker had envisioned Angelina Jolie portraying the iconic Egyptian queen in what he described as an ambitious and unconventional project.

The 82-year-old director recently discussed the abandoned project during an appearance on the debut episode of the Tribeca original series Crafty. Reflecting on the film’s development, Scorsese explained how the fallout from the 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment affected the project and ultimately contributed to its downfall.

According to the filmmaker, the controversy surrounding comedian Seth Rogen’s film The Interview created unexpected consequences within the entertainment industry. The political comedy, which revolved around a fictional assassination plot targeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, became the centre of an international controversy after hackers breached Sony’s computer systems.

The incident reportedly had a wider impact on the studio, creating complications that extended beyond the film itself. Scorsese recalled how the situation unfolded and connected the resulting turmoil to the disappearance of his own plans for Cleopatra.

“We were gonna do Cleopatra at one point, and then they made fun of [Kim Jong Un], and he got mad and blew up everybody at Columbia,” the director recalled while discussing the project’s troubled journey.

He subsequently identified Rogen as the comedian associated with the controversial production, explaining that the resulting backlash ultimately ruined his opportunity to bring Cleopatra to the big screen.

The director’s comments have offered a glimpse into how circumstances outside the creative process can influence major Hollywood productions. Despite the excitement surrounding the proposed historical drama, the project never progressed into the film audiences might have seen had the original plans moved forward.

Scorsese also revealed that Jolie had been expected to take on the role of Cleopatra VII, one of the most recognisable figures in ancient Egyptian history. The actress, known for her performances in films such as Maleficent and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, was reportedly set to lead the ambitious production.

Describing the scale of the proposed film, Scorsese expressed enthusiasm about the direction they had intended to pursue. He emphasised that the project had been more than a passing idea, confirming that the team had been preparing to move forward with the historical epic.

“We were gonna do it,” he said, reiterating that Jolie was expected to portray Cleopatra VII.

The filmmaker further described the planned production as something that would have been “really wild”, suggesting that his interpretation of the Egyptian ruler’s life would have offered an ambitious cinematic experience.

The project also had an accomplished screenwriter attached. Eric Roth, who previously collaborated with Scorsese on the 2023 drama Killers of the Flower Moon, was expected to write the screenplay for Cleopatra. His involvement suggested that the production had the potential to bring together an experienced creative team.

Cleopatra VII ruled Egypt during a turbulent period in ancient history and remains a fascinating subject for filmmakers because of her political influence, strategic alliances and enduring historical legacy. Her life has inspired numerous books, films and television productions over the years.

Although Scorsese’s version never materialised, his latest recollections have revived interest in what could have been a distinctive addition to the long history of Cleopatra-inspired cinema.

For Jolie, the proposed role would have represented an opportunity to portray one of history’s most famous female rulers under the direction of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers.

While the film ultimately remained unrealised, Scorsese’s account highlights how the Sony hacking scandal created repercussions that reached beyond the immediate controversy, affecting projects that had little direct connection to the events themselves.