May Calamawy's Past Comments on Palestine Can Not be the Reason Why All Her Scenes Were Cut From Gladiator 2 (2025)

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SUMMARY

• May Calamawy's scenes were cut from Gladiator 2, sparking speculation about the reason.
• Fans allege her pro-Palestine stance might be the cause, despite other cast members openly supporting Palestine.
• Script changes or other creative decisions might be responsible for Calamawy's reduced role.

Politics and the entertainment industry go way back for neither can really exist without the other. So while the main purpose of actors and actresses is to ‘entertain’ the audience, they cannot really exist in a vacuum given their immense fanbase and influence. This was a feat we saw at the recently held Presidential elections in the US. Similarly, when it comes to situations like wars and conflicts or an issue as indispensable as the Palestine-Israel one, for years celebrities have spoken up in the support of one or the other.

Recently, fans were shocked when they saw the Palestinian-Egyptian actress, May Calamawy’s scenes were cut from Gladiator 2, stirring up a storm on social media, alleging that it was due to her stance on the ongoing events in the Middle East. While it is not new to see an actor being fired or dropped from a project due to their political stance, there is a possibility that Calamawy’s role being reduced to an extra might have nothing to do with her support of Palestine.

May Calamawy’s Role in Gladiator 2 Reduced to an Extra

May Calamawy is an upcoming Egyptian-Palestinian actress who first received her much-needed break in the Hulu comedy-drama series Ramy and later in the Disney+ miniseries Moon Knight. Her role as the first Arab and first Egyptian character and superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was well-received, garnering immense praise from fans.

Soon after, she was roped in to portray a vital role in the recently released Gladiator 2 by Ridley Scott. As reported by Deadline, the role that she landed was an important one and Scott searched similar to what he did for Paul Mescal’s part while casting Calamawy. After multiple auditions, the actress ultimately won the part.

However, anyone who has seen the film would know that the Moon Knight star’s role has been reduced to that of an extra. Having no speaking parts whatsoever, either she was cast in another part or her parts were cut down and her role diminished. In the scenes she does appear, Calamawy’s character can be seen standing next to Denzel Washington.

Following this revelation, social media users and pro-Palestine supporters are up in arms, demanding the reason why she does not have any integral role in the film despite earlier declaration of her role being an important one. Many allege it is because of her Palestinian descent and support of Palestine that led to this, citing that Paramount has been vocal in support of Israel following the events of October 7, 2023 (see Variety).

May Calamawy’s Pro-Palestine Stance Might Not Be the Reason Behind Her Reduced Role in Gladiator 2

Following the events of October 7, 2023, several celebrities have raised their voice in support of either Israel or Palestine. The aftermath of this has resulted in some famous firing in the industry, from fan-favorite actress Melissa Barrera being dropped from the Scream franchise to the resignation of Tom Cruise’s longtime agent at CAA (via Buzzfeed).

While fans are convinced, that might not be the case when it comes to May Calamawy’s reduced role and scene cut from Gladiator 2. This is because three of the main stars of the film, namely Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and lead Paul Mescal have been active supporters of Palestine, advocating for a ceasefire.

While Pascal might not have openly said so, he often shares donation links and calls for a ceasefire and even has a @doctorswithoutborders donation link in his Instagram bio. Gladiator 2 star Joseph Quinn too has shown support for the Palestinian cause and participated in the Cinema4Gaza charity auction that supports Medical Aid for Palestinians living in Gaza (via X and Instagram).

Even the lead and main draw of the film, Paul Mescal also participated in the Cinema For Gaza auction, helping raise funds for humanitarian relief in the Arab country. Joining several well-known Hollywood stars, he donated a signed Aftersun poster for the cause.

As fans continue to criticize the production team of Gladiator 2 and director Ridley Scott, there is a possibility that May Calamawy’s scenes might have been cut due to script changes. But since no comments have been made by either the production or the actress, we can only guess.

Gladiator 2 will be released in the United States on November 22, 2024.