HOLLYWOOD, USA – The much-anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic Gladiator is set to hit theaters on November 22, promising an action-packed return to the Roman Empire.
Gladiator II, starring Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Pedro Pascal, has been the subject of intense buzz, with recent revelations from the cast adding an unexpected layer to the film’s narrative.
Denzel Washington’s “Kiss of Death”
In an interview with Gayety, Washington revealed that a scene featuring his character kissing another man was filmed but ultimately cut from the final version of the movie.
“I actually kissed the man in the film, but they took it, they cut it. I think they got chicken,” Washington said with a laugh, referring to the scene as a bold creative moment.
“I kissed a guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s Gladiator. It’s the kiss of death.”
Washington plays a Roman businessman in the film, a role that reportedly blends political scheming with personal intrigue.
The omitted scene has sparked conversations about the direction of the sequel and the creative choices behind its final cut.
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal’s Unscripted Moment
Paul Mescal, who stars as the film’s lead, also recounted an intimate improvisation during a rehearsal with co-star Pedro Pascal.
“There was a moment when we were rehearsing my fight scene with Pedro, and I had an idea towards the end of the scene to kiss Pedro on the forehead,” Mescal told Entertainment Weekly.
“I did it in one of the takes, and then we’re getting the radio messages back to Ridley and I was like, ‘Ridley: Kiss on the forehead, did you like it? Yay or nay?’ There was radio silence for a second. His radio crackles back and goes, ‘I’m afraid I did.’”
While the gesture didn’t make it into the final film, the anecdote highlights the camaraderie and creative risks taken by the cast during production.
The Legacy of Gladiator
Gladiator II serves as a direct sequel to Scott’s 2000 blockbuster, which starred Russell Crowe as the vengeful Maximus.
The original film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains a cultural touchstone for its sweeping storytelling and visceral action sequences.
In this sequel, Paul Mescal steps into the role of Lucius, the now-adult nephew of Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix in the original film), navigating the treacherous world of Roman politics and gladiatorial combat.
Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington join the cast, bringing new layers to the saga.
What to Expect
With its star-studded cast, sprawling sets, and Ridley Scott’s trademark cinematic style, Gladiator II promises to deliver a visually arresting and emotionally charged story.
While some bold creative moments were left on the cutting-room floor, fans can expect a film that stays true to the grandeur and intensity of its predecessor.
Audiences will finally return to the Colosseum when Gladiator II opens in theaters nationwide next week.
Whether the cut scenes will surface in a director’s cut remains to be seen, but the cast’s revelations have only heightened anticipation for the epic showdown.
