Gladiator II star Denzel Washington stated in a recent interview that the makers of the Ridley Scott directorial cut a scene where his Macrinus kissed another male character on the lips. Washington plays Macrinus, described as a rich powerbroker with a group of gladiators in Rome. According to the screenplay for Gladiator II, Macrinus has had relationships with other men, which made Gaytey ask Washington: "How gay is the Roman empire?"

In response, Washington said, "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.”

According to reports, the Training Day star's performance in the Gladiator sequel is gaining Best Supporting Actor Oscar buzz. It brings him back together with his American Gangster director Scott. Washington has recently been discussing his plans to quit acting and commit to fewer projects at this stage of his career. In a previous interview with Empire, he said, "I have to be inspired by the filmmaker, and I was tremendously inspired by Ridley. We had a great go-round the first go-round and here we are. He’s engaged. He’s excited about life and his next film. He’s an inspiration. We should all want to feel like that at 86."

Also starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Djimon Hounsou, among others, Gladiator II is now playing in theatres in India. It released in India a week ahead of the US.