Babe star James Cromwell recently rescued a baby pig and gave it a perfect name. Based on Dick King-Smith's 1983 novel The Sheep-Pig, Babe centers on a special pig who wishes to perform the duties of a sheepdog. When farmer Arthur Hoggett (Cromwell) returns home from a county fair with a small orphaned piglet, he quickly learns there is more than meets the eye with the adorable animal. The 1995 film proved popular with critics and audiences alike, earning over $250 million against its $30 million budget.
Following an incident that saw a piglet on its way to be fattened for slaughter fall off a truck, Cromwell decided to save the animal.
Per Variety, the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom star and animal rights activist is working with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to ensure the animal lives out its days in comfort at the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary. Cromwell decided to name the piglet Babe in honor of the film franchise that inspired him to become an animal rights activist and an ethical vegetarian. Read what Cromwell said in a statement below:
“Having had the privilege of witnessing and experiencing pigs’ intelligence and inquisitive personalities while filming, the movie ‘Babe’ changed my life and my way of eating, and so I jumped at the chance to save this real-life Babe,” Cromwell said in a statement. “Every pig deserves to live in peace and joy at a sanctuary, choosing when to frolic, where to forage and how to spend their time, yet few do.”
Why Babe Still Holds Up
Although Babe firmly rests within the family demographic, its narrative resonated with audiences of all ages. The film tells a story of love and purpose, with Babe attempting to discover his role in the world. The beloved animal movie demonstrated livestock animal's emotional intelligence which helped create a new generation of vegetarians. Although the central characters are non-human, its core message rings true today.
Despite its genre disadvantage, Babe was recognized by critics and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. At the 68th Academy Awards, the film was nominated in seven categories, including Best Picture, as well as Best Supporting Actor for Cromwell. Although losing in six of those categories, Babe took home gold for Best Visual Effects.
Babe co-writer and Mad Max creator George Miller went on to write and direct a follow-up feature film. Titled Babe: Pig in the City, the sequel took place weeks after the events of the original and focuses on Arthur's wife Esme as she attempts to save her home with the help of the diminutive pig. Unfortunately the sequel failed to live up to the critical-acclaim and popularity of its predecessor. However, Babe: Pig in the City has developed a strong cult following since its release.
Source: Variety