Us Explains Denzel Washington's Drama With This ‘Gladiator II’ Kiss

Thinking about the Roman Empire? Us too — thanks Denzel Washington!

Paul Mescal stars as Lucius in the followup to 2000’s Gladiator. He becomes a gladiator and competes in the Colosseum under the training of Macrinus (Washington). It’s important to note that Pedro Pascal also appears in the film as Marcus Acacius, who is the main antagonist throughout the film.

Before the movie’s November 2024 release, the cast traveled the world for various red carpet premieres, but it was an interview Washington completed with Gayety that made the most headlines.

“How gay is the Roman Empire?” the outlet asked the actor, who had a reply that fans were not expecting.

Director Ridley Scott Promises ‘Gladiator II’ Is ‘As Good’ as 1st Film

“I actually kissed a man in the film, but they took it out, they cut it,” Washington stated. “I think they got chicken.”

The saga has continued with denials on the part of director Sir Ridley Scott — and some backtracking by Washington. Us explains what we know so far:

The Key Players

Denzel Washington: The legendary actor plays the role of Macrinus in Gladiator II.

Sir Ridley Scott: The filmmaker directed both 2000’s Gladiator and 2024’s Gladiator II.

The Gist

Washington essentially threw Scott under the bus — which is kind of crazy.

“I kissed a guy full on the lips and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet,” he said in the same Gayety interview. “I killed him about five minutes later. It’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death.”

Scott has since denied Washington’s account.

“No, that’s b——t. It was a senator. They never did,” the director told Variety during the Los Angeles premiere days later. “They acted the moment, and [it] didn’t happen.”

On the same Monday, November 18, red carpet, Washington appeared to backtrack his previous comment.

“It really is much ado about nothing,” the actor said. “They’re making more of it than it was. I kissed him on his hands, I gave him a peck and I killed him.”

Why It’s a Big Deal

Well, homophobia for one. However, Connie Nielsen, who plays Lucilla, told IndieWire that there simply wasn’t room in the film for the scene. “My grieving scene didn’t make it into the film either,” Nielsen told Variety while at the Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 17. “It’s not homophobia. It’s just there was no room for it.”

Pedro Pascal Talks About Getting in Shape for ‘Gladiator 2’ at 49

Producer Michael Pruss agreed, adding, “There was so much stuff that was shot that didn’t make it into the film. It was truly a non-event.”

Still, the movie is inaccurate without any LGBT representation. Yes, there were same-sex relationships during the Roman Empire (read a history book).

What People Are Saying

The internet is divided with a lot of people wanting the footage to be released.

“What do you mean denzel washington kissed a man for gladiator ii but they cut the scene… this industry HATES to see denzel in a love story,” one person shared via X. Another added, “How u got Denzel Washington of all people kissing a man and then cut it?”

A third user speculated which cast member this apparent scene was with.

“You’re telling me that there is footage of Denzel Washington kissing a man, and they cut it from Gladiator II????” another social media user wrote. “Since I have no further information, I’m going to assume it was Pedro Pascal and that it was simply too good for this world to handle.”

What We’re Saying

Us is saying that the real Gladiator II kissing scene should have been between Pascal and Mescal.

What’s Next

Gladiator II hits theaters on Friday, November 22.