History nerds, rejoice: Amazon Studios is developing a drama about Egypt’s most famous queen, Cleopatra. Described as a revisionist take “on one of history’s most misunderstood women,” “Cleopatra” takes place after its titular character nearly dies in a bloody coup. Deadline summarizes, “Cleopatra must use her natural wit and political genius to take back her throne and restore honor to her family and kingdom.”
The series hails from “Black Sails” creators Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine and executive producer Dan Shotz. Mary Beth Basile (“Life Unexpected”) is among the project’s other EPs.
Cleopatra was born around 69 B.C. and killed herself in 30 B.C. The most famous onscreen depiction of the ruler is 1963’s “Cleopatra,” an Oscar-winning biopic starring Elizabeth Taylor.
Amazon’s current slate of series includes “Transparent” and “I Love Dick,” both from Jill Soloway, and Tig Notaro and Diablo Cody’s “One Mississippi.”