The recently released Gladiator II has sparked criticism online after fans noticed that Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy’s highly anticipated role was drastically reduced. Once billed as a key character, Calamawy appears only briefly in background shots without dialogue in the film, which premiered on Thursday.
Calamawy was previously expected to play a major role as the love interest of Paul Mescal’s character, Lucius. Earlier promotional stills, including one showing the pair kissing, had heightened expectations of her significance in the story. Director Ridley Scott’s casting of Calamawy was described as the result of a thorough search, further fuelling fan excitement.
The decision to cut Calamawy’s scenes has ignited speculation on social media, with some attributing it to her Palestinian heritage and her public support for Gaza during the ongoing conflict. Others argue it may have been an editorial decision due to the film’s runtime. Gladiator II was still in production when Israel’s war on Gaza began in October 2023, during which Calamawy shared pro-Palestinian posts online.
Reports before the film’s release had described her character as important, and fans were eager to see her portrayal in the blockbuster sequel. However, promotional materials and trailers offered no hint of her having a prominent role, leading to disappointment among viewers.
While Gladiator II has been praised for its visuals and fast-paced action, critics have largely viewed it as a rehash of the 2000 original. Set 24 years after the first film, the sequel has been widely described as a solid piece of neoclassical popcorn but ultimately a mere shadow of the Oscar-winning original.
The backlash over Calamawy’s role reduction adds to the challenges facing the film as it seeks to live up to the legacy of its predecessor.
