Denzel Washington may have fuelled reports that the kiss between his character and another man was axed from ‘Gladiator II‘ for being too risqué, but director Ridley Scott won’t buy into it. At the ‘Gladiator II‘ red carpet premiere on Monday night, Scott dismissed the very notion that the scene even existed.
The film is one of the most anticipated ones this year with a a star-studded cast including Ridley Scott and Pedro Pascal. Even before its release, it is making headlines. Here’s what the director said about Denzel’d controversial scene.
Ridley Scott Refutes Denzel Washington’s Claims About A Kissing Scene
While the movie is days away from its release date, Denzel Washington stated that the same-sex kiss between his character and a co-actor was removed from the film because of its controversial undertone, director Ridley Scott is refuting all the claims.
“No, that’s bulls***,” Scott recently told reporters. “They never did. They acted the moment – it didn’t happen.”
Washington, on the other hand, took a more lighthearted spin on the situation, saying the kiss was nothing more than a “peck” on the lips. “It really is much ado about nothing,” Washington said. “I kissed him on his hands, I gave him a peck, and I killed him.” He even joked about it in a recent interview with Gaytey, saying, “I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. It’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death.”
‘Gladiator II’ Is In Headlines For Its Homosexual Undertones
The ‘Gladiator II‘ script reveals that Denzel Washington’s character, Macrinus, has had past male lovers, but the rumored kiss will undoubtedly create more buzz than expected. Co-star Connie Nielsen, reprising her role as Lucilla, also played down the supposed snip. “My grieving scene didn’t make it into the film either,” Nielsen revealed. “It’s not homophobia. It’s just there was no room for it.”
In agreement with Nielsen, producer Michael Pruss commented, “There was so much stuff that was shot that didn’t make it into the film. It was truly a non-event.”
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Meanwhile, Paul Mescal, who takes on the role of Lucius, the son of Russell Crowe’s character from the original 2000 film, offered a more inclusive perspective on ‘Gladiator II’s appeal. Speaking to Attitude magazine, he said, “I think this film is for the guys, the gays, the girls, the mums, the dads. The bros will love it as well, don’t get me wrong.”
Nielsen praised Mescal’s talent and poise at the Governors Awards, calling him a “wonderful actor” and adding, “The fact that he’s able to withstand this type of pressure this young, it’s laudable and amazing.”
With ‘Gladiator II‘ hitting theaters this Friday, the controversy over the kiss seems to be as fleeting as Washington’s “peck” itself.
