Gladiator

2024 - 11 - 14

Denzel Washington’s Cut Kiss: The Drama Behind Gladiator II!

Denzel Washington - Film production - Gladiator II - Hollywood representation - Legacy sequels - Paul Mescal - Roman Empire

Gladiators, drama, and a cut kiss – Gladiator II has it all! Discover the juicy details behind Denzel Washington's surprising role and his heartbreaking kiss that was left on the cutting room floor!

The anticipation for "Gladiator II" is reaching fever pitch as it gears up for its international box office debut. Paramount’s sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic epic, which first graced the silver screen in 2000, is projected to earn between $80 million and $90 million during its opening weekend. Fans are eager to dive back into the bloody arena of ancient Rome, where legendary battles and political intrigue are set to reignite. But little did we know, amidst all the action, some juicy behind-the-scenes moments took place that have fans talking, especially when it comes to Denzel Washington's character.

In an unexpected twist, Denzel Washington recently revealed that a kiss he filmed for the sequel was cut from the final version. His character Macrinus was meant to share a steamy moment with another male character, a bold plot twist that showcased the often-unexplored relationships within the rigid structures of the Roman empire. Addressing the interview questions regarding the film's portrayal of sexuality, Washington cheekily commented, “I kissed a guy full on the lips – I guess they weren’t ready for that yet.” This revelation not only highlights the evolving themes around representation in Hollywood but adds layers to character motivations in this historical narrative.

Paul Mescal, who stars as Lucius, also made waves by gaining 22 pounds to play the role of a gladiator before rapidly shedding 26 pounds for another project. Talk about a rollercoaster of weight loss and gain! Mescal’s commitment to embodying the vibrancy of the Roman era has already sparked admiration among fans, and it’s safe to say the sacrifices he made in the name of art won't go unnoticed. Between adrenaline-pumping action sequences and some spicy gossip, there's much to look forward to.

The buzz doesn’t stop with the drama on-screen; it extends to the broader implications of what “Gladiator II” signifies in today’s cinematic landscape. As Hollywood leans into legacy sequels, will this film hit the jackpot like its predecessor or fade into the shadows? With audiences hungry for nostalgia while also craving fresh, bold narratives, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s not just a film; it’s a potent reminder of how far storytelling has come and the importance of representation behind and in front of the camera.

Did you know that "Gladiator" was not only a commercial success but also garnered several awards including five Academy Awards, one of which was Best Picture? There’s even talks of a future "Gladiator" universe! Fans of ancient history and epic film storytelling will want to jump into the theaters soon to catch the latest saga of ancient Rome. And with Denzel Washington's candid moments about the film’s production, it just goes to show that behind every epic blockbuster lies some fun, unexpected tales!

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

'Gladiator II' Set To Rule International Box Office With $80M-$90M+ ... (Deadline)

Paramount began overseas rollout Wednesday on the continuation of Ridley Scott's Roman Empire action saga; bowing ahead of the domestic start next week.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Denzel Washington says that his gay kiss was cut from Gladiator II (The Independent)

Speaking in a new interview, Washington, who plays the ruthless businessman Macrinus in the Ridley Scott film, was asked, “How gay is the Roman empire?” He ...

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Image courtesy of "Business Insider"

Paul Mescal gained 22lbs for 'Gladiator 2,' lost 26 after: 'Miserable' (Business Insider)

Mescal said he had to lose weight to film another movie, "The History of Sound," after "Gladiator 2."

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Gladiator 2 Star Denzel Washington Reveals Gay Kiss Was Cut ... (Screen Rant)

Gladiator II star Denzel Washington reveals his same-sex kiss was cut from the Roman epic, a moment he described as his character's "kiss of death."

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Image courtesy of "The Express Tribune"

Gladiator II Review Denzel Washington brings intensity to Ridley ... (The Express Tribune)

With over-the-top performances and thrilling Coliseum scenes, Scott crafts a dark tale of Rome's lust for spectacle.

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Image courtesy of "India Today"

Denzel Washington says makers cut gay kiss from Gladiator 2: I ... (India Today)

Hollywood star Denzel Washington recently claimed that his gay kiss was cut from Paul Mescal-starrer Gladiator 2. The film releases in cinemas on November ...

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Image courtesy of "Capital FM"

How Paul Mescal reacted to landing 'Gladiator II' role (Capital FM)

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in the brand new Gladiator movie, the sequel to the iconic original released in 2000 starring Russell Crowe, and when he joined Capital ...

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Image courtesy of "Arab News"

Film review: 'Gladiator II' — entertaining, and a fun romp (Arab News)

RIYADH: After years of waiting, “Gladiator II,” a sequel to the epic saga “Gladiator” (2000), has finally hit the screen. The film, released in VOX Cinemas, ...

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Image courtesy of "Times Now"

Gladiator Recap: Everything You Need To Know Before Watching ... (Times Now)

Gladiator Recap: Everything You Need To Know Before Watching Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Hollywood News - Times Now.

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

'Gladiator II' to show the power of the 'legacy sequel' (Los Angeles Times)

From 'Twisters' to 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' decades-later sequels have scored big at the box office. Will 'Gladiator II' continue the trend?

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Gladiator Review: Ridley Scott's Neo-Classic Sword & Sandal ... (Screen Rant)

As iconic as Ridley Scott's Gladiator is, a better film would exist beneath its legendary dialogue and battle scenes in the form of a sharper script.

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Image courtesy of "WION"

Ahead of Gladiator II release, a brief recap of Russel Crowe ... (WION)

It has been 24 years since Ridley Scott gave the world a glimpse of the Roman Empire in Gladiator. The film over the years has attained cult status and is ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

'I think they got chicken': Denzel Washington says gay kiss was cut ... (The Guardian)

The actor who stars in Ridley Scott's sequel said: 'I kissed a guy full on the lips – I guess they weren't ready for that yet'

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Image courtesy of "Screen Rant"

Why Djimon Hounsou Didn't Return For Gladiator 2 (Screen Rant)

In the first film, Russel Crowe's character, Maximus, is kidnapped in his sleep and sold as a Gladiator. Maximus (Crowe) meets Juba (Hounsou), who cares for his ...

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Image courtesy of "NME.com"

Is Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator 2' – and what has he said about it? (NME.com)

Directed by Ridley Scott, Gladiator 2 follows Maximus' son Lucius (Paul Mescal) who, after being forced into slavery, follows his father's path by becoming a ...

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Denzel Washington says his gay kiss in 'Gladiator II' was cut, thinks ... (NBC News)

Gladiator II” is set to release next week, bringing audiences the glory and gore of the Roman Empire: swords will be unsheathed, heroes will rise —and in ...

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Image courtesy of "Luxembourg Times"

'Gladiator II' plays it safe, but puts on a show worthy of an emperor (Luxembourg Times)

If the original film was a razor sharp, this long-awaited sequel is just a little duller around its edges. Actually, it's multiple shows with multiple ...

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Image courtesy of "WION"

Denzel Washington reveals a same-sex kiss was removed from ... (WION)

Hollywood veteran Denzel Washington has revealed that a same-sex kiss was cut from the upcoming film Gladiator II. Washington, who stars in the film ...

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Image courtesy of "BFI"

Gladiator II review: Gladiator, with added sharks (BFI)

Denzel Washington's extravagant performance brings vigour to Ridley Scott's proficient retread of his Roman blockbuster.

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Image courtesy of "Kotaku"

Denzel Washington Says His Gay Kiss Was Cut From Gladiator II (Kotaku)

The Training Day actor said that shortly after the kiss he killed the guy, adding, 'It's Gladiator'

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Image courtesy of "Africanews English"

Ridley Scott brings "Gladiator" back to the big screens | Africanews (Africanews English)

Taking over from Russell Crowe as the central character, Paul Mescal plays Lucius Verus, thrown into the Gladiator ring to fight for his life in front of baying ...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Gladiator II: King joins stars at London premiere (BBC News)

Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley, walked the red carpet ahead of King Charles.

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Image courtesy of "WWD"

'Gladiator II' London Red Carpet Premiere: Paul Mescal, Jodie ... (WWD)

Jodie Turner-Smith attends the Royal Film Performance and Global Premiere of “Gladiator II” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on Nov. 13, 2024 in London.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Denzel Washington and King Charles totally botch handshake at ... (The Independent)

It's standard for the film's stars lined up on the red carpet to greet the king before heading into the theater.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Airbnb opens gladiator experience after dark in the Colosseum (ABC News)

Airbnb announced a new gladiator experience at the historic arena in Rome for guests to see the Colosseum at night.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Clash swords in Rome's Colosseum with Airbnb's new live Gladiator ... (The Independent)

Italy's iconic amphitheatre will be open to the public at night for the first time ever.

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Image courtesy of "CNN"

Denzel Washington says he had a same-sex kiss in 'Gladiator II' that ... (CNN)

In an interview to promote “Gladiator II” with Gayety, the Oscar-winning actor talked about playing Roman emperor Macrinus. Washington was asked about “how gay” ...

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Image courtesy of "IndieWire"

Ridley Scott Almost Made a 'Gladiator II' Musical with Russell Crowe (IndieWire)

Ridley Scott explained why his first attempt at 'Gladiator II' was a musical with Russell Crowe and Nick Cave.

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Image courtesy of "BuzzFeed"

Denzel Washington's Same-Sex Kiss Cut From Gladiator II (BuzzFeed)

A kiss between Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal also didn't make the final cut.

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Image courtesy of "Livescience.com"

Rare gladiator-shaped knife handle discovered by Hadrian's Wall (Livescience.com)

It's rare to find gladiator memorabilia from Roman Britain, but archaeologists by Hadrian's Wall have just found a 2000-year-old knife handle depicting a ...

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Image courtesy of "Law Society Journal"

Film review: Gladiator II - Law Society Journal (Law Society Journal)

Ridley Scott trades Russel Crowe with Paul Mescal but recruits Denzel Washington to elevate his sequel to the classic blockbuster.

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Image courtesy of "HMV"

Gladiator II (hmv Exclusive) Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Steelbook ... (HMV)

Released: Coming soon. Twenty years after the death of gladiator Maximus, his son Lucius is captured in Carthage when it falls to the Romans.

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Image courtesy of "The Conversation AU"

Gladiator II features a naval battle held in the Colosseum. These ... (The Conversation AU)

The scene shows two warships at a face-off while sharks circle in the waters below.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Denzel Washington and King Charles totally botch handshake at ... (The Independent)

It's standard for the film's stars lined up on the red carpet to greet the king before heading into the theater.

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Image courtesy of "News24"

REVIEW | Expectation-defying Gladiator II is a must-see cinematic ... (News24)

Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington dazzle in Ridley Scott's epic, action-packed sequel.

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Gladiator II review: Ridley Scott delivers exciting yet unmemorable ... (Hindustan Times)

Gladiator II review: Paul Mescal tries his best to rise up to Russel Crowe's act from Part One, but the film suffers by comparisons and callbacks.

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Image courtesy of "India Today"

Gladiator 2 review: Paul Mescal's epic struggles to stir emotion (India Today)

Gladiator 2 movie review: The epic film released in theatres on November 15. The film delivers great action, but lacks emotional resonance.

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