American actor, Denzel Washington has revealed that he filmed a same-sex kiss in Gladiator II that was ultimately cut during post-production.
Washington described the kiss as a “kiss of death,” a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Ridley Scott sequel, CNN reports.
He expressed disappointment over its removal, attributing the decision to possible hesitation from the filmmakers, saying they “got chicken” about including it.
The film producer’s revelation has sparked broader discussions about the portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes in major Hollywood productions.
He also stressed that the moment was vital to his character’s storyline, further fueling debates on creative risks and inclusivity in mainstream cinema.
This revelation adds to the buzz surrounding the highly anticipated sequel, which features Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal in leading roles.
Reports indicate that other same-sex interactions in the film were also cut during editing, prompting criticism over the industry’s approach to representation.
Gladiator II seeks to continue the legacy of the original 2000 classic but has already stirred controversy ahead of its release, adding a layer of intrigue to its ongoing narrative
