In the midst of high anticipation for 'Gladiator II', rumors of a same-sex kiss have sparked both intrigue and controversy. However, Denzel Washington and director Ridley Scott are setting the record straight.
- November 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - "Gladiator II", directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington, is already one of the most awaited films of 2024. The original "Gladiator", a blockbuster hit from the 2000s, has set high expectations for its sequel. Early reactions have fueled Oscar buzz, but the film has also found itself under the spotlight for off-screen drama.
It all started when Denzel Washington, who plays Macrinus in the sequel, said in an interview that a same-sex kiss was cut from the movie. Washington claimed the kiss, which involved his male scene partner, was removed because the creative team was "chicken." His comments quickly went viral, adding discussions about the movie.
However, director Ridley Scott flatly denied any such scene existed. At the Los Angeles premiere of "Gladiator II", Scott called Washington's claim "bulls***" and insisted there was no kiss to cut. "They never did. They acted the moment - it didn't happen," he stated firmly.
An off-camera voice, presumably someone from the production team, confirmed Scott's remarks by saying, "We even went back and looked at the film, and there was never..." before Scott completed the thought, emphasizing, "It didn't happen."
Faced with Scott's denial, Washington clarified his earlier comments. Speaking to the press at the premiere, he downplayed the situation. Washington elaborated that he only gave his scene partner a "peck" on the hand, suggesting that the media had sensationalized the incident. "They're making more of it than it was. I kissed him on his hands, I gave him a peck and I killed him," he explained.
Despite the controversy, the excitement for "Gladiator II" remains undiminished. Scheduled for release amid stiff competition from the "Wicked" movie, the film has managed to capture the audience's imagination, promising to build on the legacy of its predecessor.
As the hype builds and the release date approaches, it appears that the alleged same-sex kiss will be remembered as a "much ado about nothing" moment in the making of a potential cinematic masterpiece.
