May Calamawy’s Role in Gladiator II Cut: Fans React with Disappointment

Fans of May Calamawy, the Egyptian-Palestinian actress known for her role as Layla El-Faouly in Moon Knight, have expressed their disappointment after it was revealed that her role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II was significantly reduced in the final cut. Despite being initially cast in a key role, the actress appears only briefly in the film and has no dialogue, a change that has left her supporters upset.

Calamawy’s casting in Gladiator II was first announced in May 2023, and reports indicated that Ridley Scott had conducted an extensive search for the role, valuing the importance of her character in the film’s storyline. However, when the highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning Gladiator hit theaters, fans noticed that her presence was notably diminished.

In a show of support, Calamawy’s co-star, Pedro Pascal, shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, some of which featured the actress, prompting fans to voice their frustrations. One user commented, “Thank you for reminding people May Calamawy was in Gladiator II. So sad how she’s been treated in this.” Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing regret over what many felt could have been a breakthrough role for the actress.

While Ridley Scott has yet to publicly address the cuts, some speculate that her storyline may have been removed to streamline the film’s runtime, which runs for 2 hours and 28 minutes. Despite the disappointment surrounding her diminished role in the film, Calamawy’s career is far from over. She is set to star in the upcoming crime mystery The Actor, alongside André Holland, Gemma Chan, and Toby Jones, among others.

The removal of Calamawy’s scenes from Gladiator II has sparked a wider conversation about representation and the treatment of actors, especially in major Hollywood productions. Fans continue to express their support for the actress, with many declaring that her talent will not go unnoticed in future projects. (Arabnews)