Filming of The Last Druid with Russell Crowe Halted Due to Violations in Catalonia. Production of The Last Druid starring Russell Crowe has been completely suspended in Catalonia. Authorities identified biosafety violations on set, prompting the decision. The suspension affects work in the area between Sant Cugat and Rubí.
Filming of the American movie The Last Druid starring Russell Crowe has been suspended in Catalonia. The reason was the discovery of serious biosafety violations on the grounds of the former Can Sant Joan golf course, where the main stage of production was taking place. According to authorities, the producers did not provide adequate protection against the entry of wild animals, which is critical given the threat of African swine fever spreading.
The Catalonia Department of Agriculture reported that permission to use the site was granted only on the condition of strict compliance with all measures: effective fencing, access control, and special hygiene protocols for personnel and equipment. However, an inspection found that the perimeter was not properly secured, creating a risk for local wildlife, especially wild boars, which are considered the main carriers of the virus.
Authorities have issued an official demand to the production company to immediately rectify all violations. Until these requirements are met, any work on the site is prohibited. Temporary filming permission was issued in February, but has been under the supervision of relevant agencies from the outset. According to department representatives, there had already been comments about the quality of the fencing, but the situation is now considered critical.
The Sant Cugat city hall used the situation as an argument in the debate over access to natural areas. City authorities are insisting on easing restrictions for residents who regularly use forests and parks for walking and sports. The mayor emphasizes that the current measures affect about 5,000 people, and demands a review of the rules for such areas as the Volpelleres forest and the surroundings of Torrenegra in the Serra de Collserola natural park.
The issue of potentially easing control over the wild boar population is also being discussed at the Catalan government level. According to the Minister of Agriculture, in some areas, including Collserola and Castellbisbal, the situation remains challenging due to unclear boundaries and landscape features. In the near future, the Sant Cugat mayor and a representative of the government plan to meet to discuss further steps.
The context of restrictions and disruptions to public events in Catalonia recalls other incidents related to security breaches at mass filming and shows. For example, a recent incident on a popular TV project involved an emergency with the host caught in the center of a conflict on set — read more about it in the article on the emergency during the filming of La isla de las tentaciones 10.
For reference: African swine fever is a viral disease that does not pose a risk to humans, but is highly contagious for domestic and wild pigs. Outbreaks of the infection lead to strict restrictions on the movement of animals and related products, as well as significant economic losses for agriculture. In recent years, Catalonia has tightened biosecurity controls due to the growing population of wild boars and the risk of the virus spreading to farms.
