Gladiator II stumbles as critics pan the film's missed opportunity to let leading man Paul Mescal shine in a steamy on-screen romance.
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Director Ridley Scott reportedly refused to greenlight a passionate kiss scene between Mescal's character and the gladiator-turned-doctor, much to the dismay of fans hoping for a same-sex love story
Mescal, known for his acclaimed work in Normal People, is said to be 'disappointed' that the film failed to capitalize on his character's chemistry with the supporting actor, leaving viewers unsatisfied