PETA plans to protest an Academy screening of “Nosferatu” this Sunday.
The animal rights organization is sending a “giant rat” to the theater to “set the record straight” about the 5,000 live rats used during a scene in the film where rats descend on London and bring the bubonic… pic.twitter.com/DC04rLBG9N
— Variety (@Variety) December 6, 2024
PETA plans to protest this Sunday’s Academy screening of director Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu.”
The animal rights organization plans to send a “giant rat” to the Samuel Goldwyn Theater to “set the record straight” about the 5,000 live rats Eggers uses during one sequence in the film where rats descend on London, bringing the bubonic plague with them.
In a statement, PETA’s director of animals in film and television Lauren Thomasson said, “A human is no more likely to be harmed or killed by a rat in real life than by a vampire, and false portrayals of these animals as harbingers of death deny viewers the chance to see them as the intelligent, social and affectionate individuals they are. The only ‘pests’ moviegoers need to be concerned with are directors who subject animals to the chaos and confusion of a film set, and PETA encourages everyone to see through these shameful stereotypes and give rats the respect they deserve.”
The PETA rat will carry a sign that reads, “Rats Have Rights! We Didn’t Cause the Plague!”
PETA points out that rats form close bonds with their families and friends, enjoy playing and wrestling, and even giggle when tickled—and are less likely than dogs or cats to catch and transmit parasites and viruses.
