The world of cinema is often glamorous and exciting, but behind the scenes, accidents can happen, putting the cast and crew at risk. From on-set injuries to near-death experiences, these incidents remind us that filmmaking can be a dangerous business. Here are 25 shocking movie set accidents that will leave you speechless.
1. Tony Jaa's On-Set Injury
Tony Jaa suffered a severe injury on the set of "Ong-bak: Muay Thai Warrior" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a long recovery period and a new appreciation for stunt safety, and it highlights the risks involved in performing complex martial arts sequences.
2. Uma Thurman's Car Crash
Uma Thurman was in a serious car crash on the set of "Kill Bill" due to director Quentin Tarantino's insistence on performing her own driving stunts. Thurman permanently damaged her neck and knee, and the incident has had a lasting impact on her career.
3. Daniel Radcliffe's Stunt Double's Accident
Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double suffered an accident during the filming of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," leaving him paralyzed. The incident was a tragic reminder of the risks involved in stunt work, and it had a profound impact on the cast and crew of the film.
4. Steve Martin's Tinnitus
Steve Martin acquired tinnitus, a ringing in his ear while filming a pistol-shooting scene for "Three Amigos" in 1986.
The condition has become a permanent part of his life, and he has spoken about the importance of protecting one's hearing on set.
5. Natalie Portman's On-Set Injury
Natalie Portman suffered a rib injury on the set of "Black Swan" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left her with a long recovery period and a newfound respect for dance safety, and it highlights the importance of providing a safe working environment for cast and crew.
6. Bruce Willis's Hearing Loss
Bruce Willis is partially deaf in his left ear due to the loud explosions and gunfire on the set of "Die Hard." The incident has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has spoken publicly about the importance of protecting one's hearing on set.
7. Jet Li's On-Set Injury
Jet Li suffered a severe injury on the set of "Fist of Legend" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a long recovery period and a new appreciation for stunt safety, and it highlights the risks involved in performing complex martial arts sequences.
8. Harrison Ford's Plane Crash
Harrison Ford survived a plane crash on the set of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" precursor while rehearsing a flying scene. The incident was a harrowing experience for Ford, and it highlights the risks involved in filming complex aerial sequences.
9. Isla Fisher's Near-Drowning Experience
Isla Fisher almost drowned during the filming of "Now You See Me." While performing an underwater stunt, her chains became entangled, causing her to genuinely panic.
The incident was a harrowing experience for Fisher, and it highlights the risks involved in performing complex stunts.
10. Johnny Depp's On-Set Injury
Johnny Depp suffered a hand injury on the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a severed finger and a long recovery period, and it highlights the risks involved in performing complex stunts.
11. Viggo Mortensen's Broken Tooth
Viggo Mortensen broke a tooth on the set of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" after a stunt went wrong.
The incident left him with a memorable on-screen moment and a new dental implant, and it highlights the importance of providing a safe working environment for cast and crew.
12. Michael J. Fox's Hanging Mishap
Michael J. Fox was accidentally hanged for real, becoming unconscious while filming "Back to the Future Part III." The incident was a terrifying moment for the cast and crew, and it could have had severe consequences if not for the quick thinking of the crew members who rushed to his aid.
13. Channing Tatum's On-Set Injury
Channing Tatum suffered a burn injury on the set of "The Eagle" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a long recovery period and a new appreciation for stunt safety, and it highlights the importance of providing a safe working environment for cast and crew.
14. Buster Keaton's On-Set Injury
Buster Keaton suffered a severe injury on the set of "Steamboat Bill, Jr." after a stunt went wrong, the incident left him with a broken neck and a long recovery period.
But he continued to perform stunts throughout his career, highlighting his dedication to his craft and the importance of taking necessary safety precautions on set.
15. Ryan Reynolds's On-Set Injury
Ryan Reynolds suffered a severe injury on the set of "Green Lantern" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a long recovery period and a new appreciation for stunt safety, and it highlights the importance of providing a safe working environment for cast and crew.
16. Christopher Reeve's On-Set Accident
Christopher Reeve suffered a spinal cord injury on the set of "Somersby" after falling from a horse. The incident left him paralyzed and changed his life forever, and it highlights the risks involved in filming complex equestrian sequences.
17. Margaret Hamilton's Burning Incident
Actress Margaret Hamilton was badly burned while filming "The Wizard of Oz." After returning to the set, she refused to do scenes involving fire, but her stunt double was injured in a prop explosion. The incident highlights the risks involved in using pyrotechnics and open flames on set.
18. Star Trek Costume Mishap
A measurement error necessitated the modification of the Seven of Nine costume from Star Trek. The bad fit cut off the blood supply from her carotid artery, causing her to pass out twice and require medical intervention. The incident highlights the importance of accurate measurements in costume design.
19. Tom Cruise's Broken Ankle
Tom Cruise broke his ankle while performing a stunt for "Mission: Impossible - Fallout." The incident caused production to halt, and Cruise had to undergo surgery.
The incident highlights the risks involved in performing complex stunts and the importance of taking necessary safety precautions.
20. Alec Baldwin's On-Set Shooting Incident
Alec Baldwin was involved in a fatal shooting incident on the set of "Rust," where a prop gun fired a live round, killing the cinematographer. The incident highlights the risks of using prop guns on set and the importance of following proper safety protocols.
21. Charlie the Goat's On-Set Chaos
Charlie the goat, who played Black Philip in "The Witch," was problematic on set, causing scenes to be dropped and an actor to be sent to the hospital with a dislodged tendon.
The incident highlights the challenges of working with animals on set and the importance of providing a safe and comfortable environment for them.
22. Halle Berry's On-Set Concussion
Halle Berry suffered a concussion on the set of "Catwoman" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left her with a headache and a newfound respect for stunt safety, and it highlights the importance of providing a safe working environment for cast and crew.
23. Jonah Hill's Fake Cocaine Overdose
Jonah Hill had to be hospitalized while filming "The Wolf of Wall Street" due to snorting too much fake cocaine. The incident highlights the risks of using props and substances on set, even if they are fake or simulated.
24. Sylvester Stallone's Broken Neck
Sylvester Stallone broke his neck on the set of "The Expendables" after a stunt went wrong. The incident left him with a long recovery period and a new appreciation for stunt safety, and it highlights the risks involved in performing complex stunts.
25. Jackie Chan's Near-Fatal Head Injury
Jackie Chan suffered a near-fatal head injury while filming "Armour of God." He fell from a tree and landed on his head, causing a brain hemorrhage and a long recovery period.
The incident highlights the risks involved in performing complex stunts and the importance of taking necessary safety precautions on set.
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Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.