Social media users have criticized the creators of Gladiator II for significantly reducing Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy’s role, sparking widespread debate over whether the decision was influenced by her heritage and pro-Palestinian stance or practical considerations like the film’s runtime.
May Calamawy’s Anticipated Role and Abrupt Removal
Initially, Calamawy’s casting in May 2023 generated excitement among Arab and Middle Eastern audiences, with many recognizing her work in Marvel’s Moon Knight and Hulu’s Ramy.
Reports suggested she was cast as a female lead after a meticulous selection process by director Ridley Scott. A still from the film featuring Calamawy and Paul Mescal fueled speculation about her character being the protagonist’s love interest.
However, upon the movie’s premiere, fans were shocked to find her role limited to brief background appearances without dialogue. “Where is May Calamawy? She was not in!!!” questioned one viewer on social media.
May Calamawy and Paul Mescal in ‘GLADIATOR 2’. pic.twitter.com/UYykQrt7Ar
— A Shot. (@ashotmagazine) July 9, 2024
Allegations of Political Motivations
Many believe Calamawy’s restricted role is linked to her Palestinian heritage and vocal support for Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The film’s production coincided with the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, during which Calamawy shared pro-Palestinian posts online.
Some users accused the film’s makers of censoring Palestinians in the entertainment industry, with one comment stating, “May Calamawy… was among my key reasons to support this movie. Now, I don’t want to see it anymore. COWARDS!”
Claims of Replacement and Counterarguments
Rumors circulated that Israeli actress Yuval Ronen replaced Calamawy, but both actresses were reportedly cast before filming began and are seen together in production photos. Critics dismissed the notion of replacement, attributing Calamawy’s reduced screen time to editorial decisions aimed at shortening the movie’s 2.5-hour runtime.
One user argued, “Even major celebs get cut out of movies all the time… The woman who plays Paul Mescal’s wife has two lines and is in five minutes total… it just doesn’t add up that way.”
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Historical Context: Ridley Scott’s Record on Representation
Critics of Scott’s directorial choices highlighted his history with Middle Eastern representation. In a 2014 interview, Scott defended casting white actors for his biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings, stating, “I can’t mount a film of this budget… and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such.”
This past controversy has fueled skepticism about the reasoning behind Calamawy’s role getting cut from the movie.
Impact on Pro-Palestinian Viewers
The controversy has disillusioned many pro-Palestinian viewers, with calls to boycott the film. “If the rumors of May Calamawy being cut from Gladiator II are true, then this sequel is already a loss of integrity,” one user wrote, emphasizing the irony of sidelining a Palestinian actress in a story about liberation.
This backlash underscores ongoing concerns about representation and censorship in Hollywood, particularly for marginalized communities. While some argue logistical reasons for Calamawy’s limited appearance, the broader implications of the decision continue to provoke strong reactions.
