In the highly anticipated Gladiator II, set for release on November 22, 2024, Denzel Washington has revealed that a kiss scene between his character Macrinus and another man was cut. Directed by Ridley Scott, Washington plays an opportunistic arms dealer and former slave.
Washington told Gayety he actually kissed a man in the film but it was removed. He believes the producers “got chicken” as they weren’t ready for it. Paul Mescal also had a similar kiss cut from his character’s scenes.
This cut highlights Hollywood’s evolving yet still hesitant stance on queer representation in blockbusters, especially in action and historical genres. The kiss could have added depth to the film, showing the tension and unpredictability of the Roman world and Macrinus’s character. Despite the cut, Washington’s Macrinus is expected to be a great addition. His story about the cut scene only heightens anticipation for Gladiator II, leaving viewers curious about what might have been.
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