Gladiator 2: Ridley Scott on Why Denzel Washington’s Kiss With a Man Was Cut

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As a long-time fan of Ridley Scott’s epic filmmaking and Denzel Washington’s captivating performances, I must say I was intrigued by the recent buzz surrounding the alleged same-s*x kiss scene in Gladiator 2. However, after reading the clarifications from both Scott and Washington, my curiosity has been somewhat quelled – though not entirely satisfied!

Approaching the release of Gladiator 2, director Ridley Scott and actor Denzel Washington have responded to rumors about a scene featuring a same-sex kiss, explaining why it didn’t make it into the final version of the film. Cast member Connie Nielsen and producer Michael Pruss also talked about the movie’s edits and their influence on the storyline.

Ridley Scott says Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 kiss with a man ‘didn’t happen’

Director Ridley Scott debunked rumors of a same-sex kiss between Denzel Washington and himself in Gladiator 2, saying emphatically that “it never occurred.” At the movie’s Hollywood premiere, he explained that “they only acted out the scene — it wasn’t filmed,” contradicting earlier statements by Washington who hinted at the scene being shot but later removed (as reported by Variety).

Connie Nielsen, returning as Lucilla, commented on the deleted scenes, stating, “It’s not about homophobia; there simply wasn’t space for it.” She also disclosed that her mourning scene was left out in the final version. Producer Michael Pruss echoed this sentiment, suggesting that many scenes were cut and the omissions were insignificant.

Washington elaborates on his Gladiator 2 kiss with a man

At the movie premiere, Denzel Washington dismissed the controversy by saying the scene was “a big deal made over nothing,” explaining, “I gave him a kiss on his hands, a little peck, and then I ended up killing him.” In an earlier interview with Gayety, he referred to that moment as “the fatal kiss,” admitting, “I planted a full kiss on another man’s lips, and it seems people weren’t quite prepared for that. They edited it out. I killed him shortly after that.

The script is said to portray Macrinus, Washington’s character, as a figure who wielded power and had previous relationships with men in the past. Washington speculates that the team might have been uncertain about including a kiss, leading to its omission. Regardless, he emphasized that the absence of the scene didn’t significantly impact the overall narrative.

The sequel to “Gladiator” is set to premiere on November 22, 2024. This star-studded cast includes Washington, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn, among others, in prominent roles. In an interview with Attitude magazine, Paul Mescal expressed that the film caters to a wide range of audiences, stating, “I believe this movie resonates with everyone, from men and women, to LGBTQ+ individuals and parents.” He further noted, “The guys, including the bros, will certainly enjoy it too.

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2024-11-19 09:41