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“They Acted The Moment, It Didn’t Happen”: Ridley Scott Bats Down Reports Of Denzel Washington’s Deleted Same-Sex Kiss In ‘Gladiator II’

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

Ridley Scott (Image: The Hollywood Reporter)
Ridley Scott (Image: The Hollywood Reporter)

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.”

Related: “You’re Being Manipulated By Both Sides”: Denzel Washington Opens Up About U.S. Politics After Donald Trump’s Win

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

A still from 'Gladiator 2's teaser (Image: Paramount pictures)
A still from ‘Gladiator 2’s teaser (Image: Paramount pictures)

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.”

In case you missed it: Denzel Washington Set To Join ‘Black Panther 3’ In One Of His Last Movie Gigs

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.

Aishwarya
Aishwaryahttps://firstcuriosity.com/
Aishwarya is a Senior Sub-Editor at First Curiosity. Working as a news writer for over 3 years, she has written on an array of things for a couple of media houses in different capacities. With writing as her outlet, she is now exploring the world of art and glamour. Her love for films and writing stems from her fondness for words and all things artsy. An avid reader and writer alike, Aishwarya likes to delve into any and all forms of art.

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