'A Dog's Purpose' Video: Premiere Cancelled Amid Release Of Horrifying Clip [VIDEO]
After the release of a video depicting possible animal abuse on the set of A Dog's Purpose, the film's premiere has been cancelled.
TMZ released a video Wednesday from the set of A Dog's Purpose, in which a German shepherd is shown being forced into rapid water despite being visibly terrified. The video immediately drew outrage, especially on the part of PETA, who urged supporters to boycott the film.
Now, A Dog Purpose's production company, Amblin Entertainment, is cancelling the premiere of the film amid the controversy.
"Because Amblin's review into the edited video released yesterday is still ongoing, distributor Universal Pictures has decided it is in the best interest of A Dog's Purpose to cancel this weekend's premiere and press junket," Amblin and Universal said in a joint statement Thursday. "Amblin and Universal do not want anything to overshadow this film that celebrates the relationship between animals and humans."
Amblin previously stated that they were investigating the details of the video, and suggested that the German shepherd was not harmed during filming.
"Since the emergence of the footage, Amblin has engaged with many associated with the production of the film, including safety personnel, trainers and stunt coordinators as part of their in-depth review," they said in a statement. "While we are all disheartened by the appearance of an animal in distress, everyone has assured us that Hercules the German shepherd was not harmed throughout the filmmaking."
Meanwhile, another petition has been established, urging moviegoers to boycott the film unless those involved donate to animal organizations.
"The director of the film tweeted that he is "disturbed by the video released today from the set of my film," the petition reads. "If the director is so disturbed, he ought to do something about it. Donating to an animal welfare cause is the least he can do to make up for this act."
A Dog's Purpose is scheduled for release in theaters on Jan. 27. The film stars Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, Peggy Lipton and the voice of Josh Gad, centering on a dog's reincarnation through a variety of dog breeds.
