Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, recently opened up about an unexpected scene in Gladiator II, revealing that a same-sex kiss he filmed for the movie was ultimately cut from the final version. In an interview with Gayety, Washington, who plays Macrinus in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel to the 2000 blockbuster, shared that the scene where he kissed a male costar was removed during editing. While this bold moment never made it to the big screen, Washington’s candid revelation is sparking important conversations about how Hollywood handles representation.
The “Kiss of Death” That Never Made the Cut
Washington, 69, recounted filming the scene where he kissed a male character “full on the lips.” However, despite the bold nature of the scene, the filmmakers decided to cut it from the final film. Laughing about the decision, Washington joked, “I think they got chicken,” adding, “They weren’t ready for that yet.” He humorously referred to the sequence as the “kiss of death”, explaining that shortly after the kiss, his character kills the man in the scene. This playful comment offers an insightful look into how even progressive moments in mainstream cinema can be met with hesitation, especially when they challenge conventional norms.
Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal’s Deleted Forehead Kiss
Washington isn’t the only actor with a cut intimate moment in Gladiator II. Co-stars Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal filmed a more subtle kiss during a fight scene, but it too was ultimately removed from the film. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mescal revealed that he spontaneously kissed Pascal on the forehead during one of the takes. He then joked with Ridley Scott, asking, “Did you like it? Yay or nay?” Scott’s response was a firm “nay,” and the kiss didn’t make the final cut. This highlights how even small moments of intimacy—no matter how subtle—sometimes get left out of big-budget films, even when they add emotional depth to the characters.
What’s Next for Denzel Washington?
As Gladiator II prepares for its release on November 22, Denzel Washington’s career continues to soar. The legendary actor has teased some exciting future projects, including a potential role in Black Panther 3, directed by Ryan Coogler. Washington recently shared that he has become more selective about the roles he takes on, stating, “At this point in my career, I’m only interested in working with the best.” He also mentioned his upcoming role in Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway, where he will portray the iconic character at the age of 70, marking a significant milestone in his career.
While some scenes didn’t make it past the editing room in Gladiator II, the film still promises to deliver epic storytelling, complex characters, and a touch of the unexpected. Fans can look forward to seeing Washington’s powerful performance in a story that continues the legacy of the original Gladiator.
