Ridley Scott Faces Criticism for Cutting May Calamawy’s Prominent Role in Gladiator II

The premiere of Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s long-awaited sequel to his 2000 Oscar-winning classic, has been met with heated online outrage after it was revealed that Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy’s role had been significantly reduced. Calamawy, once hailed as a key character in the events, appears only briefly in background shots in the final picture, with no lines.

The bombshell has left many surprised, considering how early promotional stills and reports had placed Calamawy’s character as central to the movie. She was supposed to play the love interest of Lucius, played by Paul Mescal, the protagonist who takes center stage in the story 24 years from the events of the original film. A still of the two characters sharing a kiss was among the pre-release material that raised expectations about her importance.

Fans and commentators alike have taken to social media to express disappointment, with some speculating whether this decision was politically motivated. The actress has been vocal in her support for Palestine.

May Calamawy’ scenes were entirely cut from GLADIATOR 2, despite initial announcements indicating she would play a major female lead. pic.twitter.com/J6a6otrwQn

— A Shot. (@ashotmagazine) November 15, 2024

Her fans have widely shared and appreciated these, but the posts have also led some to speculate that her reduced screen time is related to her political stance. While for some, the move reflects industry sensitivity to the polarized political climate, to others, it could be a coincidence linked with creative choices.

now why did may calamawy only appear in the background of one scene and not have a single speaking line i thought she was supposed to be a lead…

— mari (@loverrycore) November 19, 2024

Gladiator 2 cutting all of May Calamawy's scenes is definitely something

— DL2 (@DL2onX) November 19, 2024

ask him too about why may calamawy’s scenes are cut and why an israeli actress got hired as paul’s wife https://t.co/vwz11gkjfe

— jas (@dariusacruxx) November 19, 2024

With neither Ridley Scott nor the studio commenting on the controversy, some insiders suggest the film’s lengthy runtime and its tightly packed narrative were other reasons for the cuts. “The final edit of a film is always a balancing act,” said one source. “It’s about condensing an epic story down to the right size.

In addition to the controversy, Gladiator II has received mixed reviews in its early run. Although critics have complimented the film’s cinematography and action-packed scenes, many have critiqued the film for being overly predictable in its repeat of the original. The sequel takes place decades after Maximus’s passing, and Lucius must contend with a labyrinth of political intrigue and gladiatorial battle.

Despite being called “neoclassical popcorn entertainment,” a number of critics contend that the movie lacks the emotional nuance and originality that made the previous installment a landmark in popular culture. Calamawy’s struggles to live up to the original’s reputation have only been made worse by the controversy surrounding its removal.

For Calamawy-who first gained fame in television series like Ramy and Moon Knight, the incident serves as a jolting reminder of the many minefields that come with being a Middle Eastern actress in Hollywood, at a very politicized moment in history. Indeed, audiences have been very vocal about seeking clarification regarding her reduced screen time, with some even asking for an extended director’s cut that incorporates her scenes.

Meanwhile, Gladiator II has a difficult challenge at the box office. Although opening-night ticket sales were phenomenal, the social media uproar and ongoing debate about representation and political power in Hollywood may shape its legacy as much as the story itself.