In a recent interview, Gladiator II star Denzel Washington revealed that a same-sex kiss scene between his character, Macrinus, and another man was cut from the final film. The sequel, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Washington’s Macrinus, an arms dealer and former slave, as he trains Maximus’ son, Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), to become a gladiator. Gladiator II is set for release on 22 November 2024.
Washington on the Cut Kiss Scene
Washington explained that he had chosen to add a kiss with another male character to one of his scenes. However, this moment was removed during editing. Washington commented, “I actually kissed a man in the film, but they took it out. They got chicken. 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.”
Impact of the Removed Kiss Scene
Washington’s disclosure sheds light on Hollywood’s evolving but cautious approach to queer representation, particularly in major franchises. Interestingly, Washington’s kiss wasn’t the only one cut. Paul Mescal also revealed that a kiss scene between his character, Lucius, and Pedro Pascal’s General Acacius was omitted.
While Scott aimed to capture the brutal political environment of ancient Rome, the decision to cut these scenes suggests a reluctance within the industry to explore queer themes in mainstream films. This cautious approach, especially in action and historical genres, may reflect Hollywood’s concern about audience reactions.
The Power Dynamics of Macrinus
Washington hinted that the kiss scene would have highlighted his character’s cunning and ruthlessness. A kiss, followed by a sudden act of violence, could have shown Macrinus’s capacity for strategic manoeuvring. By omitting it, audiences miss an insight into Macrinus’s power-driven personality. Despite this, Washington’s portrayal is expected to be a standout addition to Scott’s highly anticipated epic.
Hollywood’s Cautious Approach to Queer Representation
The removal of these scenes underscores the hesitation in mainstream cinema towards queer themes, especially in genres traditionally dominated by heterosexual storylines. Washington’s comments, however, add a layer of intrigue to his role and leave audiences speculating on what this scene might have added to his character and the film’s depiction of ancient Roman society.
You may also like: Wednesday season 2 adds Lady Gaga to its star-studded cast
