Denzel Washington reveals a same-sex kiss scene in 'Gladiator II' was removed

Denzel Washington commands attention on the big screen, yet there's a particular act audiences won't witness him perform in his latest cinematic venture. In a conversation with Gayety about "Gladiator II," the Oscar-winning thespian delved into his portrayal of Roman ruler Macrinus. When questioned about the perceived flamboyance of the Roman empire, Washington recounted a specific sequence.

"In the film, I actually locked lips with a man, but it didn’t make the final cut," he disclosed. "I think they chickened out."

"I kissed him square on the lips," Washington elaborated. "Perhaps they weren't quite prepared for that moment."

He humorously remarked about his character dispatching the other shortly thereafter, dubbing it a "kiss of death."

The helm of the sequel is once again in the hands of director Ridley Scott. Washington's fellow actor, Paul Mescal, recounted his own anecdote involving a kiss with another cast member, Pedro Pascal.

"During the rehearsal of my combat scene with Pedro, an idea struck me—to plant a kiss on his forehead as the scene concluded," Mescal recounted to Entertainment Weekly. "I executed it in one take, then queried Ridley back at video village over the radio, 'Ridley: Forehead kiss, your thoughts? Yay or nay?' There was a brief pause, then his voice crackled through, 'I'm afraid I did.'"

"Gladiator II" graces theaters on November 22.