The pig plague stops Russell Crowe's filming in Sant Cugat

The Generalitat has halted the filming of the movie The last druid (L’últim druida), starring Russell Crowe, planned in Sant Cugat del Vallès, after detecting non-compliance with the safety measures established for the African swine fever crisis. The department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, headed by counselor Òscar Ordeig, has sent a request to the company responsible for the production.

The controversy arose from the filming of this Hollywood blockbuster in a natural environment (the Collserola mountain range) closed off to the public to prevent the spread of African swine fever. Both residents and the Sant Cugat City Council had criticized a possible comparative disadvantage, as while citizens have restricted access to the forests, the production teams have been able to operate there to set up sets.

The Rural Agents would have detected irregularities in the perimeter closure and in the application of the required biosecurity measures. In view of these incidents, the Department of Agriculture has issued a legal requirement that obliges a temporary suspension of activity until strict compliance with current health regulations is guaranteed.

Restrictions all summer

According to the same department, the production would not have respected the conditions set in a restricted area due to health risks, especially regarding access control and safety measures. The Natural Park of Serra de Collserola, completely closed since March due to the outbreak of African swine fever, will not reopen in the coming months and it is expected that the restrictions will be extended, at least, throughout the summer.

The production, directed by William Eubank and starring Russell Crowe and Rose Leslie, was being filmed at the old Can Sant Joan golf course, a publicly owned space where a Celtic village had been recreated.