From 2016 Box Office Bomb to Viral Phenomenon: the Timeline of the Brothers Grimsby Elephant Stunt
Q1: Was a real elephant used during the filming of the scene?
A1: No real elephants were harmed or used for the interior shots. The production team constructed a life-size animatronic model and built an isolated studio interior set for the actors to climb inside. CGI was used solely for exterior wilderness shots.
Q2: What was the fake fluid made of on set?
A2: The crew mixed hundreds of gallons of methylcellulose, a non-toxic, water-soluble plant derivative commonly used in food products and cinematic practical effects, blended with water and food-grade thickeners to achieve the appropriate consistency.
Q3: Did the scene cause censorship issues during theatrical distribution?
A3: Yes. Several international rating boards requested trims, and Sony Pictures had to navigate strict classification boundaries to secure an R rating in the United States and a 15 certificate in the United Kingdom without cutting the core comedic beats.