Denzel Washington has speculated on the reason behind the decision to cut a same-sex kiss from “Gladiator II.”
Fans have strongly reacted to the news of Denzel Washington’s gay kiss in “Gladiator II,” with some even vowing to boycott the highly anticipated action-adventure film.
A fan comments on the news that Denzel Washington’s gay kiss in “Gladiator II” was cut, from a post dated November 14, 2024: Source: X/N413_
Washington stars as a ruthless power broker, Macrinus, who is bisexual in the action film. The actor did an interview with Gayety promoting the film, where he revealed that he kissed a male costar in a since-deleted scene.
Denzel Washington attends the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England, on November 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The 69-year-old had been asked how gay the Roman empire was, to which he replied, “I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken.”
Washington added, “I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet.” The actor noted that he killed the man five minutes later, referring to the action as “the kiss of death.”
Denzel Washington attends the “Gladiator II” Premiere at Pathe Palace in Paris, France, on November 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fan reactions to the news of the cut scene where Denzel Washington had a gay kiss were overwhelmingly disapproving. One person bluntly stated, “I think I just decided I don’t want to see Gladiator II.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, “And now I’m not going to see it.”
Concerns about the movie’s legacy were raised, with a fan lamenting, “This movie will ruin the franchise for future generations.” A more direct critique came with the comment, “This movie sounds like its [sic] going to be awful.”
Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington attend the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England, on November 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone else speculated on the decision behind the cut, “I would guess they got scared specifically because it’s Denzel. No idea if Denzel has played a gay man before, but studios get scared when big stars like that defy their usual image.”
A firm opinion against the scene was also voiced, “Call me whatever, but I don’t want to see Denzel Washington kiss a man.” In response to the editing choice, a viewer added, “They must have done so very recently. It was in the version I watched. I don’t disagree with the cut.”
Denzel Washington attends “Gladiator II” The Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere at Leicester Square in London, England, on November 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another chimed in approvingly, “Good, no one wants to see that!” A person concerned with boundaries remarked, “Not everything needs to be on screen. Some boundaries are okay to maintain. Gladiator 2’s editors made the right call.”
“Gladiator II” also stars Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal, portraying the characters Acacius and Lucius, respectively. A forehead kiss between Pascal and Mescal was also left out of the final cut.
However, despite arriving more than 24 years after its predecessor, the film still delivers on its promise of brutal battles, intricate schemes, and a thirst for revenge, as teased in its gripping trailer.
Mescal, as Lucius, pops up years after witnessing the tragic death of the legendary Maximus at the hands of his uncle. He is thrust into the Colosseum after his homeland is overtaken by the ruthless Emperors now ruling Rome with an iron grip.
Lucius is driven by vengeance and a desire to restore the Empire’s honor. Therefore, he must confront his past to summon the strength needed to reclaim Rome’s glory. The film, set in ancient Rome, arrives in theaters nationwide on November 22, 2024.
Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington attend the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England, on November 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Ridley Scott is at the helm 25 years after “Gladiator” won five Oscars, including Best Picture—but not Best Director. Despite never having won the coveted Best Director statue, Scott may finally have his chance with “Gladiator II.”
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Scott is confident in the quality of “Gladiator II,” as he revealed that his approach has evolved in terms of camera work. Unlike the first film, where shots of different characters had to be captured separately, Scott began positioning multiple cameras around the arena for a single, seamless take.
Denzel Washington, Sir Ridley Scott, and Paul Mescal attend the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” | Source: Getty Images
This technique allowed him to capture some entire scenes in one shot, a move that he attributes to his growing expertise in camera placement, lighting, and visual direction.
For Scott, it’s all about making precise, deliberate choices that align with the flow of editing, likening it to assembling a complex Lego set.
Sir Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington at Leicester Square in London, England, on November 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As much as the decision was made to cut Washington’s kiss with a male costar, Scott has ensured that the film still delivers on its promise of high-quality action and gripping drama. Audiences can expect a spectacle filled with intense battles and intricate storytelling when it premieres.
