Denzel Washington Reveals Same-Sex Kiss Cut from ‘Gladiator II’

Denzel Washington, who stars in the highly anticipated film ‘Gladiator II,’ has revealed that a significant scene involving a same-sex kiss was cut from the final version of the movie. In an interview, Washington discussed his role as Macrinus, a ruthless businessman and former slave, and shared details about the omitted scene. He mentioned that he kissed a male character full on the lips, describing it as the “kiss of death” since he killed the character shortly after. However, the scene was ultimately removed, with Washington suggesting that the filmmakers “weren’t ready for that yet.”[2][3]

The film, directed by Ridley Scott, is a sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winning ‘Gladiator’ and follows the story of Lucius, the nephew of Maximus, played by Paul Mescal. Lucius is forced into the brutal life of a gladiator and seeks to reclaim the Roman empire. Meanwhile, Denzel Washington’s character, Macrinus, is a wealthy and powerful figure with interests in capturing and enslaving gladiators.[2]

In addition to Washington’s revelation, Paul Mescal also shared that an improvised kiss between him and co-star Pedro Pascal was removed from the film. Mescal had kissed Pascal on the forehead during a fight scene rehearsal, but the moment did not make it into the final cut.[2]

‘Gladiator II’ has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the film as a worthy successor to the original, highlighting Washington’s performance as a standout. However, others have found it to be one of Ridley Scott’s most disappointing legacy sequels.[2]

The film is set to release in cinemas on November 15, 2024.[2]