Ridley Scott was he afraid of reactions or did he want to save time editing Gladiator II ? The American actor Denzel Washingtonstarring in the 86-year-old British director’s blockbuster, was interviewed by LGBT media specialist Gayety on the place of homosexuality in the roman empirethe era in which the film is set. An opportunity for him to revisit a scene that was cut during editing.

In it, the interpreter of Macrinus – a power-hungry, openly bisexual former slave – kisses a man, a first in the actor’s long career, which began in 1995 with Program to kill by Brett Leonard. ” The film’s production cut this scene, because I think they chickened out “regrets Denzel Washington. Before adding: ” I kissed a man full on the lips, but I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. “.

Staying consensual?

The 69-year-old actor does not appear in any explicitly homosexual love scenes. The extract in question showed a betrayal disguised by an affectionate kiss. ” I killed the other character about five minutes later, because it’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death “he later confessed in the interview. Perhaps this cut scene could have added a little extra emotion to the character of Macrinus?

The reason for the cut is currently unknown. It could be due to the need to shorten an already 2 h 30 long film, or to a desire on the part of the production to Galidator II from do not cause reactions.

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Another deleted scene

Denzel Washington’s kiss isn’t the only homoerotic gesture removed from Ridley Scott’s film. On October 22, the lead actor and interpreter of Lucius, Paul Mescaltold the American magazine Entertainment Weekly that a similar scene with Pedro Pascalincarnation of Marcus Acacius, had also been removed from Gladiator II. ” When we were rehearsing a fight scene together, I had an idea for the ending. : kiss Pedro on the forehead “he explained.

Ridley Scott has already signed “director’s cuts” for a number of productions, which are edits that correspond to the director’s wishes and are not subject to the choices of producers and distributors. This was notably the case with Blade Runners . The Briton has already announced to Cinema Blend that this excerpt could be included in a new version of Gladiator II. What will become of Denzel Washington’s kiss? The next version may reveal the reasons for the cut.

Restoring the glory of Rome

Continuation of the first film with Russell Crowe, Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius, the nephew of Emperor Commodus, now a warrior and gladiator. His exploits at the Colosseum make him a legend in Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the hero Maximus, Lucius finds himself forced into the arena when his country falls under the yoke of tyrannical emperors who rule Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, he discovers secrets buried in his past that will give him the strength and honor he needs to restore Rome’s glory and give hope to his people.