Denzel Washington Reveals Same-Sex Kiss Was Cut from Gladiator II

In a recent interview, Denzel Washington revealed that a same-sex kiss he filmed for Gladiator II was ultimately cut from the final version of the film. Washington joked that the kiss was removed because “they got chicken,” implying that the studio or director may have been hesitant to include such a scene. He humorously added, “I killed him about five minutes later. It’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death.” The decision to cut the scene has sparked discussions around the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in blockbuster films, especially within the context of director Ridley Scott’s work, which has previously explored themes of gender and sexuality in films like Thelma & Louise and Alien: Covenant.

The removal of the same-sex kiss comes amid growing scrutiny and pressure from certain countries where LGBTQ+ content is banned or heavily restricted, potentially influencing the film’s international release. While Gladiator II is still set to premiere on November 22nd, there’s speculation that the scene could appear in a future director’s cut, offering a deeper exploration of bisexuality within the film’s narrative. Washington’s performance, alongside co-stars Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, has already generated significant buzz, with audiences eager to see how the film addresses complex relationships on screen. Magic 101.3 listeners, how do you feel about the removal of this scene? Share your thoughts with us!