Although the filming was going great, the death of a horse has caused activists and various organizations to launch against the production of The Rings of Power: Season 2. Heart failure was confirmed as the cause of death. And even when the series team has been willing to collaborate to verify that it was not a death from overwork, criticism has not been long in coming.
This was commented by Amazon Studios in a press release (via).
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a production horse lost its life on March 21. The incident occurred in the morning while the horse was being exercised prior to trials. The coach did not have a wardrobe yet and filming was just beginning. A veterinarian and a representative from the American Humane Association were present. The independent necropsy confirmed that the horse died of heart failure.”
Once the death went viral, the organization known as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) condemned the events, and launched a forceful statement to Variety. In it, he reiterated the need to avoid using real horses for filming. His request is to make changes in the industry to prevent the death of more animals.
“It seems that living underground with orcs is normal for the producers of The Rings of Power. They have the option of using CGI, mechanical platforms, and other humane methods that would not kill the vulnerable horses on set. PETA is calling on the creators of the show, and all other producers, to undertake a new search without using real horses. If they can’t help but exploit animals for their art, they should find a new medium. Nobody wants to see a TV spin-off with torment as its theme.”
The tragic death of the equine occurred on March 21 while tests were being carried out before the rehearsals for the filming. Some sources within the series have commented that the horse was together with 30 other horses on the day of the incident. While meeting 20 of them, he fainted and lost his life.
PETA also suggested that, if no CGI horses are used, an equine behavior expert should be on film for all projects that require one. Unfortunately, This is not the first horse to die in a JRR Tolkien adaptation. During the filming of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journeydirector Peter Jackson was embroiled in controversy over the deaths of three horses and other animals.
Until now, no representative of The Rings of Power has responded on the measures they will take to prevent the death of equines. However, considering that it is the most expensive series in history, he would not be surprised if they resort to visual effects to replace the real horses.
Juan Jose Cruz I am one of those who always defended Robert Pattinson as Batman and can see the same movie in the theater up to 7 times. My guilty pleasure? Low budget horror movie.