PETA has raised concerns about the use of live animals on the set of director Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator 2’ after whistleblowers on the set of the highly anticipated sequel spoke out about horses and monkeys.
In a statement obtained by , the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claimed it had been informed that a horse’s leg gave way on set after it was allegedly working in “catastrophic conditions” and that the film did “exploit” real macaque monkeys.
“PETA and Animal Liberation Malta are displeased after receiving whistleblower reports that Gladiator 2 is exploiting real macaques and forcing horses to work in direct sunlight, apparently in conditions so dire that a horse’s leg gave way on set.” , the organization said.
“We call on director Ridley Scott to stop turning animal suffering into spectacle like the ancient Romans did, and call on stars Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington to do their part in bringing Scott back into the 21st century. “
This comes amid a TMZ report that claims Scott received several letters from the animal rights organization urging him to stop using the animals in his film.
has reached out to representatives from Mr. Scott, his production company working on the film, Scott Free Productions and Paramount Pictures for comment.
Concerns Raised: PETA is imploring director Ridley Scott to stop using live animals in the production of ‘Gladiator 2’ after whistleblower reports raised concerns about horses and monkeys on the set of the highly anticipated sequel
The letter reiterated fears that the monkeys and horses would be used in the film, and speculated that the heat had caused the horse to collapse on set.
They were also told to “immediately cancel plans to use the real animals in the film.”
In addition, PETA said it has been made aware of Mr. Scott’s plans to continue filming over the next few days despite the recent SAG-AFTRA strike.
“PETA and Animal Liberation Malta continue to receive complaints about the use of animals on the set of the Gladiator 2 production in Malta. Another whistleblower report has just come in that a horse’s leg has failed on set, presumably due to the heat and it is feared the horses (wearing costumes) are being exposed to hot temperatures and are sometimes being forced to walk during and between the shooting in direct sunlight.
“Scorching summer heat and oppressive costumes are a dangerous mix for horses, who are naturally timid animals, prone to flight and injury, and vulnerable to the stress of a film set.” The film and television industry has a history of horse injuries and even deaths on the Set. We sincerely hope Gladiator 2 doesn’t add another death to this list.
“In addition to the concerns we already addressed in our previous letter, we wanted to make sure you are aware that macaques can be unpredictable and that it is in a monkey’s nature to solve problems with aggression, so they can and will attack and bite humans.” . Their teeth are sharp, their jaws are strong, and their bites are often violent. Because macaques are common carriers of the herpes B virus, which can be deadly to humans, being around humans also poses public health risks.
“Despite the SAG-AFTRA strike, we have been told that production is scheduled to resume next week Tuesday through Saturday.” “We urge you to cancel any plans to use real animals in the film immediately.”
The Los Angeles Times spoke to a source close to the production who said there were “no animal injuries or incidents” on the film’s set and that certified animal welfare officers were present on behalf of the American Humane Society to film.
Fighting back: In a statement obtained by , PETA claimed they were informed by a whistleblower that a horse’s leg had given way on set after it was allegedly working in appalling conditions and that the film was ‘exploiting’ real macaques have
Lights, camera, action: Gladiator 2’s Malta set, pictured earlier this month
TMZ reports that a similar letter was sent to the film’s cast. Gladiator 2 starring Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington.
In addition to the main cast, letters sent included Connie Nielsen, Djimon Hounsou, Lior Raz, Joseph Quinn, Matt Lucas, Derek Jacobi, Peter Mensah, Chi Lewis-Parry and Mike Parish, according to the website.
It comes a month after crew members were reportedly injured in an explosion on the set of Gladiator.
Six crew members were taken to hospital after being hit by a fireball, The Sun reported last month.
The highly anticipated sequels were filmed in Morocco and neighboring Sahara.
Few details are still known about the incident, but it appears that a special effects shoot gone wrong that caused the dangerous explosion.
Iconic: The upcoming movie is a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 film Gladiator, which was a critical and commercial success
A source on set shared her hope that the injured crew members would make a full recovery, although their condition was unclear.
“It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up, hitting several crew members in its path,” the source recalled. “In the years of filming, I’ve never seen such a scary accident.”
The blast is reportedly being investigated, and witnesses to the blast have reportedly speculated that it could have been caused by a ruptured gas pipe on set.
“Six production staff members were taken to the hospital for treatment,” they said, and it appears no actors on the film were injured in the inferno.
“Hopefully everyone is okay but it was a serious accident,” the source added. “Everyone involved, from the smallest runner to the star, is shaken.”
Acclaimed: Gladiator won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe
The upcoming film is a sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 film Gladiator, which was a critical and commercial success.
The historical epic grossed five times its budget and helped cement the fame of Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.
Gladiator won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe.
While the new film brings back director Ridley Scott, Crowe will not be in the cast as his character died at the end of the original film.
Paul Mescal will direct the new film as Lucius, Emperor Commodus’ (Phoenix) nephew and secret son of Crowe’s character Maximus, who was rescued by his father in the original film.
He was played as a child in the first Spencer Treat Clark film, but the Irish actor will take on the role.
Connie Neilsen will reprise her role as Lucilla, his mother, while Derek Jacobi will also return as a Roman senator and Djimon Hounsou will once again play a former gladiator and friend of Maximus.
Denzel Washington has joined the cast in a key role, but his character has not yet been revealed.
Pedro Pascal and Matt Lucas are among the new cast, and Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn will play Emperor Caracalla, often portrayed as a tyrant in history of the era.
Gladiator 2 is expected to hit theaters in late 2024.