Denzel Washington Reveals Same-Sex Kiss Cut from “Gladiator II”

Gladiator II promises epic battles, nostalgia, and powerful performances, but one thing it won’t include? A surprising same-sex kiss that Denzel Washington filmed but didn’t make it into the final cut. The sequel to the 2000 blockbuster, which hits theaters on November 22, nearly featured this bold moment before it was axed during editing.

In a revealing interview with Gayety, Washington, who plays a power-hungry Roman businessman with possible bisexual undertones, shared the story behind the scene. “I actually kissed the man in the film, but they took it, they cut it. I think they got chicken,” Washington admitted.

Denzel reflected on the decision, saying, “I kissed a guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet.” However, he emphasized that the kiss wasn’t romantic but rather part of the character’s intense narrative. “I killed him about five minutes later,” he added with a laugh, calling it “the kiss of death.”

Washington’s cut scene wasn’t the only intimate moment removed from the movie. Paul Mescal, who takes on the role of protagonist Lucius, also revealed a creative addition he tried during a fight scene with co-star Pedro Pascal, who plays Roman general Acacius. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Mescal shared, “There was a moment when we were rehearsing my fight scene with Pedro, and I had an idea toward the end of the scene to kiss Pedro on the forehead.”

Knowing the spontaneity might not be well-received, Mescal chose to act first and ask later. “I did it in one of the takes, and then we’re getting the radio messages back to Ridley [in video village]. I was like, ‘Ridley: Kiss on the forehead, did you like it? Yay or nay?’” The silence was telling, but Scott’s response was even more surprising. “His radio crackles back, and [Ridley] goes, ‘I’m afraid I did,’” Mescal recalled.

Despite Scott’s approval, both scenes were cut from the final version. “Gladiator II,” helmed by acclaimed director Ridley Scott, arrives 23 years after the original film, which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and secured a place in cinematic history.

Washington is already receiving Oscar buzz for his performance as a supporting actor. Yet, he remains unphased by the high stakes. Speaking to Australia’s Today show, he expressed, “For me, it’s about the filmmaker, especially at this point in my career. I’m only interested in working with the best. I don’t know how many more films I’m gonna make — probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done.” Washington even hinted that he has six more projects lined up before he plans to retire.

With these scenes cut and Washington’s potential departure from acting, fans are left wondering what more Gladiator II had to offer behind the scenes.