Denzel Washington, who plays power-hungry former slave Macrinus in the film, recently said he kissed a man on the lips, but the moment did not make the final cut. Ridley Scott dismisses claims that a same-sex kiss was removed from Gladiator II. Denzel Washington and other cast members discuss the scene, emphasizing creative choices rather than censorship.
- Ridley Scott addresses kiss rumors
- Cast members also shared insights on some scenes
- 'Gladiator II's' anticipated release has been successful
Ridley comes out with it
'Gladiator II' director Ridley Scott has firmly dismissed allegations that a same-sex kiss was excised from the movie. During the Los Angeles premiere on November 18, Scott, aged 86, responded to claims made by Denzel Washington, who portrays "Macrinus", a power-driven former slave in the film.
Washington had previously stated he kissed a man on the lips in the movie, but the scene didn't make it to the final version. "No, that’s b——t. It was a senator. They never did. They acted the moment and [it] didn’t happen," Scott clarified during an interview with Variety.
Cast members Denzel Washington and Connie Nielsen have also weighed in on the topic. Denzel said differently. The Oscar winner told 'Gayety', "I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s 'Gladiator'. It’s the kiss of death."
Washington initially mentioned the kiss was cut, suggesting, "I think they got chicken." However, he later described the moment as a mere "peck" and downplayed its significance, stating, "It really is much ado about nothing."
Meanwhile, Nielsen, who reprises her role as "Lucilla", shared that some of her scenes were also omitted, attributing it to creative decisions rather than homophobia.
"My grieving scene didn’t make it into the film either. It’s not homophobia. It’s just there was no room for it," she said. Producer Michael Pruss and other cast members have supported Scott's explanation, emphasizing the creative process behind the film's editing.
Pruss remarked, "There was so much stuff that was shot that didn’t make it into the film. It was truly a non-event."
Paul Mescal, who plays Lucius, recounted a similar experience where a tender moment with co-star Pedro Pascal was not included in the final cut. Mescal humorously shared an anecdote where he asked Scott about a forehead kiss, to which Scott humorously responded, "I’m afraid I did."
Ridley's incredible career
Ridley Scott is one of the most influential filmmakers in contemporary cinema, known for his mastery of visual storytelling, attention to detail, and ability to create atmospheric worlds. Born in 1937 in England, Scott began his career in television before making his feature film debut with 'The Duellists', a period drama that earned him critical acclaim.
However, it was his second film, 'Alien', that truly solidified his place in Hollywood. The sci-fi horror film, with its groundbreaking special effects and intense atmosphere, became a cultural touchstone and launched a franchise that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Scott's follow-up, 'Blade Runner', is another of his most iconic works, blending neo-noir with science fiction to explore themes of identity, humanity, and technology. Although initially a box office disappointment, 'Blade Runner' has since been recognized as one of the greatest films ever made.
In the 1990s, Scott achieved commercial success with 'Thelma & Louise', a feminist road movie that became a cultural phenomenon. His later films, such as 'Gladiator', which won multiple Academy Awards including Best Picture, and 'Black Hawk Down', a gritty war drama, cemented his reputation as a master of both historical epics and intense action narratives.
Scott continued to explore a wide range of genres, from the historical epic 'Kingdom of Heaven' to the science fiction thriller 'Prometheus' and its sequel 'Alien: Covenant'. He also directed the tense survival drama 'The Martian', which earned widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
In his career, Scott has built a legacy marked by a diverse range of films, each distinct in its visual style, emotional depth, and thematic complexity. His films often explore the human condition, with an emphasis on moral dilemmas, survival, and the consequences of technological advancement.
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'Gladiator II', featuring an ensemble cast including Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, is set to hit theaters on November 22. The film continues the legacy of the original Gladiator, directed by Scott in 2000, which was a box office success and won multiple Oscars.
