'I guess they weren't ready for that': Denzel Washington reveals his gay kiss omitted from Gladiator II

Denzel Washington has shared that a same-sex kiss scene he filmed for Gladiator II was omitted from the final theatrical cut. Washington plays the role of Macrinus, a powerful Roman figure, in the sequel to Ridley Scott's 2000 epic. The film will be released in the United Kingdom on November 15 and in the United States on November 22.

Denzel Washington reveals his gay kiss was cut from Gladiator II

Ahead of the release of his highly-awaited film, the Hollywood veteran sat down with Gayety for a video interview, offering a glimpse into his new project. Since there was a mention of his character's past link-ups with men in the script, the interviewers asked Washington - How gay was the Roman Empire?

This prompted the 69-year-old to share a surprising behind-the-scenes secret: “I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken,” Washington said, before adding, “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.”

Denzel Washington's impressive performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II has harboured his hopes for an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category. The project marked his reunion with Ridley Scott, with whom he previously worked on American Gangster, and it was Scott's involvement in the upcoming film that convinced him to sign the sequel.?

Is Denzel Washington retiring??

The celebrated actor known for his critically acclaimed performances Malcolm X, Man on Fire, and The Equalizer recently hinted at his retirement. During a recent interview with TODAY, the veteran revealed his plans to retire after completing a handful of projects that are already lined up in his schedule.

“I don’t know how many more films I’m going to make. Probably not that many. I want to do things I haven’t done. I’ve played Othello at 22, I’m about to play Othello at 70," he said.

But he also hinted at his Black Panther role in a refreshing surprise for his fans. “After that Ryan Coogler’s writing a part for me in the next?Black Panther,” Washington added.

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