Young Moviegoers to See Vegan Plea from James Cromwell Ahead of Mufasa: The Lion King

For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2024

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

“How can people love animals and still eat them?” That’s the question legendary actorJames Cromwell will pose to families rushing to see Mufasa: The Lion King over the holidays, courtesy of a PETA video spot that will run in theaters across the country before showings of the highly anticipated Disney film. In the video, the PETA Honorary Director reprises his Farmer Hoggett role, singing “If I Had Words” to a rescued piglet who fell off a truck transporting him to be fattened for slaughter. The piglet—lovingly named Babe after the film that inspired the Emmy winner to go vegan—now lives in peace at an animal sanctuary, where he will spend the rest of his days sniffing green grass and enjoying dirt baths with other rescued pigs.

“Just like Pumbaa, pigs play, make friends, and have unique personalities, and don’t want to be eaten,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “PETA is encouraging families to leave pigs and all other animals in peace, not pieces, by opting for a delicious vegan feast this Christmas and beyond.”

PETA points out that pigs dream when they sleep, recognize their own names, and show empathy for other pigs who are happy or distressed. In the meat industry, workers chop off piglets’ tails, clip their teeth with pliers, and castrate the males. Each person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals every year; reduces their own risk of suffering from cancer, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and obesity; and dramatically shrinks their carbon footprint. PETA’s free vegan starter kit and Vegan Holiday guide are filled with tips to help anyone looking to make the switch.

Cromwell’s spot will run before Mufasa: The Lion King at theaters in Burbank, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—points out that Every 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 PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.