Eric Goode has built an unconventional career spanning nightlife entrepreneurship, music video direction, and documentary filmmaking. His latest project, the HBO docuseries “Monsters of God,” explores the shadowy world of illegal exotic reptile smuggling. The five-part series, premiering in August 2026, represents a deeply personal endeavor for the 68-year-old creator, who has long been passionate about wildlife conservation through his nonprofit, the Turtle Conservancy.
Goode’s journey into reptile trafficking investigations began unexpectedly. In the 1980s, while operating Area, his famous Manhattan nightclub, he connected with Tom Crutchfield, a South Florida reptile dealer who supplied animals for the venue’s themed installations. Years later, Goode discovered that Crutchfield had been smuggling endangered species from Madagascar, leading to his arrest and imprisonment following a federal operation.
The docuseries takes viewers deep into the international wildlife trafficking network, profiling numerous characters involved in the trade. Most notably, Goode pursues an interview with Anson Wong, referred to as the “Pablo Escobar of animal trafficking,” who operates extensive smuggling operations from Malaysia. This encounter, filmed in the mountains of Penang, represents one of the project’s most daring moments and underscores the genuine dangers surrounding the investigation.
Unlike his previous documentaries, Goode emphasizes that “Monsters of God” aims for comprehensive storytelling by presenting multiple perspectives, including those of zoos, federal agents, dealers, and collectors. The approach acknowledges the complex moral landscape surrounding exotic animal trade rather than presenting a one-sided narrative.
Originally reported by Variety →
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