Shocking Jungle Cruise Mishap: Renowned Expert Exposes Disturbing Inaccuracies in Jaguar Attack Scene

Summary

The representation of Proxima the jaguar in Jungle Cruise has been highlighted by mountain lion expert Mark Elbroch as lacking accuracy in terms of the authentic traits and behavior of these animals.

Jaguars, unlike other big cats, are the least prone to attacking humans. Additionally, contrary to their depiction in the movie, these animals are incapable of purring. Although the inaccuracies may not be of significant importance to most viewers, given the film's lighthearted and comedic nature, Elbroch's commentary offers an intriguing educational viewpoint.

Jungle Cruise's portrayal of jaguar scenes is analyzed by mountain lion expert Mark Elbroch, and the movie falls short in many aspects. Inspired by the Disney theme park attraction of the same name, Jungle Cruise, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The film introduces Proxima, a jaguar who Johnson's character has managed to train, and includes a scene where the two engage in a fight to impress Blunt's character.

However, Elbroch's recent video for Insider reveals that the jaguar scenes in Jungle Cruise lack accuracy when it comes to representing these creatures in the jungle.

The expert highlights several inaccuracies in the portrayal of jaguars' behavior in the movie, including the incorrect depiction of purring. Below is Elbroch's complete comment:

Having watched the movie, I understand the context and can confirm that the jaguar in question is a pet. The owner has trained the cat to participate in wrestling matches. However, it is highly unlikely for a jaguar to wander into a bar seeking raw steak or engaging with humans. In fact, among all the big cats, jaguars have the fewest recorded instances of attacking humans in the wild, which is almost unheard of.

In a real fight, if the jaguar were to bite down, it could easily puncture through his arm due to their exceptionally strong biting ability compared to other similarly sized cats.

Hollywood tends to exaggerate sound effects, as seen in this instance with the jaguar purring. Jaguars are actually unable to purr, making this portrayal completely unrealistic. I would rate this scene a four out of ten, as it provides great comedy but lacks accuracy in terms of natural history.

Do Jungle Cruise's Jaguar Inaccuracies Matter?

Jungle Cruise received mixed reviews from critics, but it was generally popular among casual moviegoers, as indicated by its 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, another Disney blockbuster based on a theme park ride, Jungle Cruise adopts an exaggerated and whimsical tone, often featuring action that isn't realistic. The film, like many Disney offerings, is a family-friendly adventure with comedic elements that can appeal to audiences of all ages. Therefore, the presence of an unrealistic jaguar is unlikely to be a major issue for most viewers.

In Jungle Cruise, Proxima is portrayed as more than just a wild animal; she is an actual character with her own personality. This approach has allowed the filmmakers to take certain creative liberties. For instance, Proxima's purring, although not true to life, serves as a way to convey the big cat's emotions to the audience.

Given Jungle Cruise's whimsical atmosphere and tone, discrepancies regarding jungle cats are ultimately inconsequential. However, Elbroch's insightful commentary from an educational standpoint remains intriguing. It highlights the extent to which Hollywood films frequently deviate creatively to enhance storytelling, characters, themes, and ambiance.