Denzel Washington speaks out against censorship of gay kiss scene removed from film

American actor Denzel Washington expressed his dissatisfaction with the ban on a scene in which he starred in a gay kiss in the production of the film “Gladiator II”. “They weren't prepared for this,” said the actor in the interview with Gayety, on October 31st. It’s Gladiator, it’s the kiss of death”highlighted the actor. To the surprise of fans, the scene was cut from the final version of the film.

The sequel to the 2000 film features actors Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal, who recently were also involved in a controversy over “kissing” scenes during filming. In one of the recorded scenes, Marcus Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal, kisses Paul Mescal's character on the forehead.

Story of the film “Gladiator II”

The film continues the story of Lucius, now a young adult and heir to the throne after the death of Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix). Played by Paul Mescal, Lucius is the son of Russell Crowe's character Maximus in the 2001 Oscar-winning film, also directed by Ridley Scott.

Lucius seeks revenge for the death of his father, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and thereby reestablishing his family's honor once again, within a turbulent political scenario in Rome. The plot also shows central themes, such as power, redemption and betrayal, a set of elements that made the first Gladiator film a fantastic success.

The film's cast also includes actress Connie Nielsen, who plays Lucilla, Lucius' mother, Denzel Washington, who plays the character Macrinus, and Pedro Pascal, who plays Marcus Acacius. Actors Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are part of the film, playing the cruel emperors Geta and Caracalla.

_{Paul Mescal, as Lucius in Gladiator II (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@paulmescalpics)}

“Greatest movie I’ve ever been in,” declares Denzel Washington

American actor protagonist of several renowned performances in cinema, among them the films “The Tragedy of Macbeth” and “Malcom the biggest movie he's ever been in. “When the call came in and it was Ridley about Gladiator 2, I was like: send me the script. I read it and liked it, I had some scores, but I liked it. So I asked: When do we start?” said the actor.

Denzel also praised director Ridley Scott, saying that despite his age he remains excited about the work and defined the filmmaker as a “master”. The film's premiere in Brazil takes place this Thursday (14), a week before its release in the United States.

Featured photo: Denzel Washington plays Macrinus, in the sequel to the film “Gladiator” (reproduction/Instagram/@denzelwashington.official)