Overview
- Lionsgate said Bubbles appears via CGI in the new Michael Jackson biopic and that the real chimp has lived at the Center for Great Apes for more than 20 years.
- The studio stressed the portrayal reflects historical events and does not promote keeping chimpanzees as pets.
- PETA praised the decision to avoid real animals on set and urged audiences not to buy primates from breeders.
- The sanctuary reports Bubbles is about 43, lives with a chimpanzee group in Wauchula, Florida, and receives ongoing support from the Michael Jackson Estate.
- Reports also note a separate Bubbles-focused biopic script is being pitched in Hollywood, signaling continued cultural interest in his story.