PETA Statement: Director Confirms Halle Berry Didn’t Skin a Real Squirrel in Never Let Go

For Immediate Release:
April 16, 2024

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Following reports that Alexandre Aja’s upcoming thriller Never Let Go includes scenes in which Halle Berry’s character skins squirrels and eats bugs and frogs, PETA has confirmed with his rep that the scenes were shot using realistic props. Below, please find a statement from PETA Director of Animals in Film and Television Lauren Thomasson:

While moviegoers may squirm in their seats at the sight of a “squirrel” being skinned, Alexander Aja’s use of movie magic instead of a thinking, feeling being in Never Let Go once again proves that technology is the key to modern, humane movie production. PETA is happily rushing delicious squirrel-shaped vegan chocolates to Aja and Halle Berry to applaud this responsible choice, and we urge other filmmakers to commit to making their productions positive for animals by using only props, computer-generated imagery, and other special effects.  

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.