PETA Wants Gladiator II Production to Stop Over Alleged Animals Use on Set

Internet users are waiting to see how the drama between PETA and the Gladiator II producers will unfold in the coming months. The Gladiator II production has been ongoing in Malta since June 2023, and the historical drama is set to hit the screens in 2024. However, while the filming is seemingly going well, PETA is allegedly displeased about the producers’ use of animals on set. According to reports, the animal rights organization has called for the Gladiator II production to end. 

Inside the Drama Involving PETA and Gladiator II Producers 

The Gladiator II production crew has been called out for alleged animal use on set. On Tuesday, a report from TMZ revealed PETA and the Gladiator II producers had some scores to settle. According to the reports, the animal rights group sent letters to the movie’s director, Ridley Scott, and some prominent cast members regarding their choices. In one of the letters, PETA noted that an informant revealed Scott was using horses and macaque monkeys while filming. The body further claimed that one of the horses allegedly collapsed. According to PETA, this was due to the extreme weather conditions in Malta.

The organization then recalled incidents in the past where there were horse injuries and even deaths. Afterward, they went into detail about the dangers of working with macaques on set. According to PETA, these animal species were unpredictable and a danger to human beings. They also stated that macaques were usually separated from their mothers at young ages for such filming purposes. Overall, PETA expressed disappointment in the cast and crew members’ decision to continue filming, despite their pleas.

They urged the director to remove live animals and suggested using CGI animals. What’s more, Scott and the lead cast members aren’t the only ones who have received letters from PETA. According to the TMZ report, the organization has also sent pleas to other cast members, asking them to relay their concerns to the director. Unfortunately, there has been no response from the production team, and it is unknown if they have read the letters.

Details of ‘Gladiator II’

Away from the PETA and Gladiator II drama, the film promises to leave viewers glued to their screens. While the film’s plot is yet to be released, the cast offers some clues on what to expect from the drama. The Gladiator II production will feature the likes of  Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, Derek Jacobi, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and many others. Overall, Gladiator II is a film worth looking forward to.