Written by PETA
Hold on to your loincloths, boys and girls—another adaptation of Tarzan (yes … in addition to the 88 that already exist) will be swinging into theaters in 2010! Critics say co-writer and director Stephen Sommers will be focusing on jungle love, but this classic story is sure to have scenes of a boy raised by great apes in the jungle. So, when Anjelica Huston (who has been speaking up for animals abused in the film industry since she was a kid) heard about the film, she contacted Sommers. Anjelica writes:
"Ever since I heard my father complain about animal trainers on the set of his epic The Bible, I've worried about what happens to animal 'actors' behind the scenes. . . . Critics lauded King Kong … for the emotional depth that the giant ape displayed—without any real apes suffering in the process. Can I please hear that you similarly plan to use only creative alternatives to great apes in Tarzan?"
"Ever since I heard my father complain about animal trainers on the set of his epic The Bible, I've worried about what happens to animal 'actors' behind the scenes.
. . .
Critics lauded King Kong … for the emotional depth that the giant ape displayed—without any real apes suffering in the process. Can I please hear that you similarly plan to use only creative alternatives to great apes in Tarzan?"
Luckily, Sommers has a history of using flashy special effects and CGI in his blockbuster films, which have included Van Helsing and The Mummy. Hopefully, he'll continue to do what he does best and leave great apes in the jungle where they belong. Oh, and Sommers, if Anjelica's lovely letter doesn't convince you, here's a promise: Leave out the live apes and I'll be your personal Jane.
P.S. If you haven't seen it yet, check out Anjelica's behind-the-scenes exposé about great apes forced into the entertainment industry here.
Written by Liz Graffeo
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