Gladiator II Cuts Spark Social Media Debate

Denzel Washington revealed that a same-sex kiss he filmed for 'Gladiator II' was cut from the final version of the movie, sparking discussions on social media about the decision's implications. Washington, who plays a powerful Roman character, expressed disappointment, suggesting the filmmakers weren't ready to include the scene. The film, directed by Ridley Scott, follows Lucius, the son of Maximus from the original 'Gladiator', as he navigates power struggles in ancient Rome. Paul Mescal, who plays Lucius, also improvised a scene where he kissed co-star Pedro Pascal on the forehead, but it was not included in the theatrical release. The film premiered with a star-studded event attended by King Charles, where Washington interacted with fans and later met the monarch. Despite the cut scenes, 'Gladiator II' has been received well by critics, with Washington's performance generating Oscar buzz.