Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, has disclosed a surprising edit made to his performance in the highly anticipated Gladiator 2. The actor, who stars as the character Macrinus in the Ridley Scott-directed sequel, revealed that a same-sex kiss he performed was ultimately removed from the final version of the film. The decision, he noted, seemed to stem from the production’s reluctance to include such a moment, with Washington candidly reflecting, “I guess they weren’t ready for that yet.”

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In an interview with LGBTQ+ publication Gayety, Washington shared details of the scene that didn’t make it to the screen. “I actually kissed a man in the film, but they cut it… I think they got chicken,” he remarked. Washington went on to explain that the kiss wasn’t just a gentle peck but “full on the lips,” an improvised choice he felt added depth to his character. However, shortly after, his character kills the other man, a dramatic “kiss of death” moment that Washington believed added a unique, layered tension to the scene.

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This revelation adds to the film’s already intriguing backstory, as it’s the second instance of a same-sex kiss being cut from Gladiator 2. Earlier, it was revealed that actor Paul Mescal, who also stars in the film, had spontaneously kissed Pedro Pascal’s character on the forehead in a different scene, only for it to be removed from the final cut. Mescal later shared that he hadn’t informed Ridley Scott about the kiss in advance, fearing the director’s reaction, but took the creative risk regardless.

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“I didn’t tell Ridley I was gonna do it,” Mescal recounted in a separate interview with Cinema Blend. “And then I was nervous after we did it because I thought he was going to f**king hate it.” Afterward, Mescal nervously checked with Scott, asking over the radio if the kiss was acceptable. Scott reportedly replied with a mixed response, indicating uncertainty about its inclusion. Ultimately, this intimate moment didn’t make it to the final film either, despite Mescal’s later suggestion that it could be considered for a director’s cut.

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Scott himself seemed ambivalent about the decision, admitting he didn’t remember precisely why the moment was removed but suggesting it may have been due to pacing or focus concerns. “It could have been in,” he remarked, hinting that these small yet powerful choices sometimes get lost in the complex editing process of epic films.

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The cuts have sparked conversation about Hollywood’s readiness to include LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream films, particularly in historical and action genres. While LGBTQ+ scenes have become more common in independent and modern-set films, depictions in big-budget, period films such as Gladiator 2 remain rare and often contentious.

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Despite the cuts, Gladiator 2 has garnered positive early reviews, with Washington’s portrayal of Macrinus praised for its intensity and gravitas. The film is set to premiere in UK cinemas on November 15, 2024, and audiences are eager to see how this powerful story unfolds, even with these edited moments.

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Washington’s remarks have left fans speculating about what might have been and whether a future director’s cut could restore these omitted scenes, giving audiences a fuller experience of the characters’ complexities and relationships.

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