Beyond colourblind casting: historical revisionism and Afrocentric blackwashing of Cleopatra in contemporary media

Systemic oppression and racial hierarchies have historically dictated the representational paradigms of African Americans in media, legitimising reductive stereotypes. Recent shifts toward inclusivity have precipitated debates regarding the concept of colourblind casting. By scrutinising the controversy surrounding Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra (2023) as a case study, this paper examines the tension between historical accuracy and Afrocentric representation. Through a thematic analysis of films and television series, the study critiques how colourblind casting in historical narratives often prioritises contemporary racial discourse over historical accuracy. Moreover, it argues that blackwashing possibly devalues Black identity to a marketable aesthetic, perpetuates colonial frameworks, and obscures systemic inequities. The study concludes by advocating for nuanced historical adaptations that centre Afrocentric heritage, which offers critical implications for media representation and scholars of racial discourse.