Conservatives are expressing outrage over Netflix’s new docuseries, “Alexander: The Making of a God,” which depicts the legendary conqueror, Alexander the Great, as a gay man. The controversy stems from a scene in the first episode where Alexander, played by Buck Braithwaite, is seen passionately kissing his close friend and potential lover, Hephaestion.
Key Takeaway
The portrayal of Alexander the Great’s sexuality in Netflix’s docuseries has sparked controversy, prompting a debate between historical accounts and modern perspectives on the legendary conqueror’s personal life.
Conservative Backlash
The “End Wokeness” X account, a prominent voice in right-wing circles, took offense to the portrayal of Alexander The Great as gay, stating, “Netflix made a new documentary about Alexander The Great. Within the first 8 minutes, they turned him gay.”
Despite the backlash, historical evidence suggests that Alexander the Great may have had intimate relationships with both men and women, challenging the traditional belief that he was exclusively heterosexual.
Historical Context
Historians and scholars have long debated Alexander the Great’s sexual orientation, with many accepting the notion that he was bisexual. This interpretation is not new, as the 2004 film “Alexander,” featuring Colin Farrell, also portrayed the conqueror as bisexual.
Even as commenters pointed out the historical acceptance of Alexander’s bisexuality, the conservative account stood by its criticism, emphasizing that the portrayal of his sexual orientation as unproven speculation should not have been introduced in the opening minutes of the series.
Netflix’s Depiction
The docudrama, released on January 31, chronicles Alexander the Great’s journey from an exiled young man to his conquest of the Persian Emperor Darius and his subsequent domination of the known world in under 6 years. The series features interviews with historians, dramatic reenactments, and a significant focus on Alexander’s sexual orientation.
Notably, Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones of Cardiff University and Dr. Salima Ikram of the American University of Cairo are featured in the series, shedding light on the prevalence of same-sex relationships in the ancient Greek world and the significance of Hephaestion in Alexander’s life.
Unresolved Debate
While conflicting reports exist regarding Alexander the Great’s marital history and offspring, the debate surrounding his sexuality continues to provoke strong reactions. The controversy underscores the ongoing efforts to reconcile historical narratives with modern interpretations, particularly concerning figures as influential as Alexander the Great.
