By Going by all the reviews, Oscar winner Denzel Washington steals the show in the upcoming “Gladiator” sequel.
Armed with colorful togas and multitudes of jewelry, he plays wealthy powerbroker Macrinus who was a former gladiator himself and now owns a stable of them.
The scene-chewing performance has scored much acclaim and serious awards buzz with the actor obviously having a ball. Turns out though there’s one part that didn’t make the final cut he’s a little frustrated by.
Speaking with Gayety, he says they cut out a scene where he does something he hasn’t really done on screen before:
“I actually kissed a man in the film but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken. 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.”
The role reunites Washington with director Ridley Scott after their work together on 2007’s crime drama “American Gangster”. The actor recently admitted he only has a few more acting jobs left before he retires.
The $300 million budgeted feature is headed for a $65 million domestic opening and, along with “Wicked” and “Moana 2,” are expected to turn Thanksgiving into a big one for cinemas.
Paul Mescal stars in the film as the adult version of Lucius who resides peacefully with his family in Numidia until Roman soldiers, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invade and force him into slavery.
Inspired by the legendary Maximus, Lucius decides to fight as a gladiator and oppose the rule of the young emperors, Geta (Joseph Quinn) and Caracalla (Fred Hechinger).
Djimon Hounsou, Matt Lucas, Lior Raz, Peter Mensah, May Calamawy, Tim McInnerny and Derek Jacobi co-star. “Gladiator II” opens in cinemas internationally from today and hits the U.S. on Friday November 22nd.
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