'The Pitt' used real maggots for cast scene, and none were 'injured'

Warning: This story contains spoiler information about "The Pitt," Episode 2.

ER patient Troy Digby (Charles Barker) is the unwitting carrier for one of the more stomach-turning revelations in Episode 2 of HBO Max's "The Pitt." (now streaming).

The unhoused patient has his soiled arm cast cracked open for removal by Dr. Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) to reveal a maggot infestation on his arm.

Nursing student Emma Nolan (Laëtitia Hollard) is visibly shocked by the sight of the squirming critters on the bloodied flesh. Charge nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) keeps her cool.

“Oh I see you’ve brought some friends," Dana says, adding to Emma, “bet you never saw that in nursing school."

Real maggots were used — and treated well on 'The Pitt' set

Show creator and executive producer R. Scott Gemmill says the scene reflects ER reality.

"Some of the things that come through the ER are pretty disturbing, and that's just the least of them," he tells USA TODAY. "There are some things you can't truly capture without olfactory elements."

Full Article:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2026/01/15/pitt-ep-2-maggots/88188886007/