Did They Kill Real Animals in Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones, a show steeped in drama and dark magic, has always been known for its thrilling and often brutal scenes. One of the most talked-about aspects of the series is the use of real animals and the practice of killing them for filming. However, many fans, including myself, doubt such claims. Why would they expend such significant effort on props when CGI could achieve the same effect?

Skepticism and Truth

It's a natural question to ask whether real animals were killed in the making of Game of Thrones. However, the creators have provided clear and compelling evidence to dismiss these concerns. One example is the scene where Tywin Lannister (played by Charles Dance) skins a deer.

Practical and Ethical Considerations

Charles Dance, who plays Tywin Lannister, recalls participating in the actual skinning of a deer in a recent interview. According to him, a butcher brought the dead deer, and the prop masters gave him a good space to work with a sharp knife and showed him how to skin it and spill the guts into a bucket. This gruesome task took him two days to clean up after. However, this was not for the show. This incident was a one-time practice session that did not involve any killing for the final production.

Use of Dead Animals

During production, the cast was aware of the need for these practical elements, as Dance jokingly admits, not being a vegetarian. Despite this, the use of dead animals for such scenes was strictly limited to pre-production and not for any part of the final filming. This clearly demonstrates that the production team prioritizes using realistic yet humane methods to enhance their productions.

Legislation and Ethical Standards

Moreover, the creators strongly emphasize that they never killed animals for the series. They adhere to strict animal welfare laws to ensure that no real animals are harmed. The show's creators use a combination of practical effects, such as using dead animals for specific scenes, and advanced CGI to achieve the desired effect. This approach not only ensures that the animals are not harmed but also provides a more convincing and realistic viewing experience.

On-Set Safety Protocols

On set, there are always professionals who specialize in animal welfare present to ensure that any animals involved in filming are treated with care and respect. While accidents can happen, the team's vigilance and commitment to ethical practices minimize the risk of harm to any living creatures. In most cases, the presence of professional handlers helps to maintain a high standard of care and safety.

Make Believe and Realism

At the end of the day, Game of Thrones is a work of fiction—a series that thrives on imagination and grandeur. While some elements of the show are clearly fictional, the creators aim to make them as believable as possible. This is achieved through various methods, including the use of dead animals for precise, practical effects and the implementation of cutting-edge CGI for more complex scenes. These techniques, while rooted in make-believe, serve to enhance the storytelling and immerse the audience in the dystopian world of Westeros.

Conclusion

So, to answer the age-old question: No, they did not kill real animals for the show or film. Instead, the creators use a mixture of practical and digital elements to create a more engaging and believable experience. The show's commitment to realistic yet humane filmmaking practices is commendable and underscores the dedication of the team behind this epic series.