The creators of the action-packed film franchise, Fast & Furious, have been hit with a hefty fine of £800,000 ($1 million) after a stuntman suffered severe brain damage during filming. The incident occurred during the production of Fast & Furious 9: The Fast Saga, at Warner Bros’ studios in Hertfordshire, UK, in July 2019.
Joe Watts, the unfortunate stuntman, experienced a life-threatening accident when he fell from a height of eight meters onto concrete, landing directly on his head. The BBC reports that a judge described Watts as “lucky to be alive.” It was revealed in court that his safety line became detached during a stunt that had been rehearsed but was altered during filming. Shockingly, the safety line had not been inspected between takes, leading to this devastating outcome.
District Judge Talwinder Buttar, presiding at Luton Magistrates Court, criticized the decision to change the stunt “at the last minute,” and highlighted the need for adjustments in the matting beneath. It was a clear violation of safety protocols that had dire consequences. 
The Health and Safety Executive, responsible for the prosecution, described Watts’ injuries as “life-changing.” They emphasized that in stunt work, the focus should not only be on preventing falls but also on minimizing the risk of injury. It is essential to prioritize safety at all times.
FF9 Pictures, the production company behind Fast & Furious 9, acknowledged the health and safety failings in court and agreed to pay the imposed fine. This incident serves as a stark reminder that safety should never be compromised for the sake of entertainment.
Joe Watts, before the horrific accident, had contributed to several notable productions, including Game of Thrones, Johnny English Strikes Again, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. His experience and expertise were highly valued within the industry.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Fast & Furious 9, featuring a star-studded cast including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, and Charlize Theron, was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $726.5 million worldwide. The film had a substantial production budget ranging from $200 million to $225 million.
Safety should always be a top priority in any production, and incidents like this highlight the importance of stringent safety measures. The film industry must learn from such accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the filmmaking process.
Source: Deadline Hollywood
