Over the past decade, as Marvel Studios productions have become more popular, we’ve seen the directors of the feature films move onto high-profile, non-superhero work more times than not. And now, as Marvel Studios starts showcasing filmmaking talent in the various TV series this year, we’re seeing the trend translate to the small screen talent, as well, with “WandaVision” filmmaker Matt Shakman landing a new “Star Trek” film. And now, ‘Falcon & Winter Soldier’ director Kari Skogland has landed her next big film, “Cleopatra.”
According to Deadline, the filmmaker behind all six episodes of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” Kari Skogland, has landed the directing gig for the upcoming “Cleopatra” epic starring Gal Gadot. As you might have guessed from the title, “Cleopatra” is set to feature the “Wonder Woman” star as the lead in the historical epic recounting the life of the legendary Egyptian ruler.
Initially, the Paramount film was announced with Patty Jenkins as the director, reuniting her with Gadot after two “Wonder Woman” films. However, it appears Jenkins is now transitioning to just a producer role as Skogland is now taking over the directing reins. Jenkins also recently saw her “Star Wars: Rogue Squadron” film get pulled from the release schedule due to reported creative differences. So, it’s unclear what’s going on in the world of Patty Jenkins right now.
Regardless, this is a massive project for Skogland, who is probably best known for the aforementioned ‘Falcon’ TV series that was released by Marvel Studios earlier this year. That series showed she could tell large-scale stories in high-profile projects with massive studios. Previously, Skogland was probably best known for her work on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Loudest Voice,” and “The Walking Dead.”
It’s unclear when Skogland and Gadot will begin production on “Cleopatra,” but after a while with no news, it does appear Paramount has gotten this project back on track.