F9: The Fast Saga Faces Hefty Fine After Stunt Mishap
A $1 Million Penalty for Stunt Gone Wrong in Fast & Furious 9 Production
In a high-octane world known for its thrilling car chases and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, the Fast and Furious franchise recently faced a significant setback. The production company behind “F9: The Fast Saga” was slapped with a hefty $1 million (800,000 pounds) fine due to a severe injury sustained during the film’s production in Leavesden, England, back in July 2019, as reported by BBC News.
Key Takeaways:
- Stuntman Joe Watts suffered a critical injury, including a skull fracture and brain damage, during a stunt gone wrong when he fell 26 feet onto concrete.
- The mishap occurred during the second take of a scene where Watts was thrown off a balcony, and his stunt line detached, causing him to miss the crash mat.
- The prosecution highlighted the lack of inspection between takes, absence of a system to verify cable engagement, and inadequate crash matting.
The unfortunate incident unfolded during the filming of a daring stunt sequence. Joe Watts, the stuntman involved, had successfully executed the stunt in the first take. However, during the second attempt, disaster struck when his safety line became detached, leading to a harrowing fall onto concrete.
The subsequent legal proceedings revealed a series of lapses in safety protocols. There was no inspection of the cable connecting Watts to his safety harness between the two takes, leaving room for potential issues to go unnoticed. Additionally, the production team failed to extend the necessary crash matting to minimize the consequences of an accidental fall, even after modifications were made to the set and the stunt sequence.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the presiding judge, who commented that Joe Watts was “fortunate to be alive” considering the severity of his injuries.
Despite this unfortunate incident, “F9: The Fast Saga” went on to become a global box office success, generating a staggering $726,229,501 worldwide. In relation to this, the $1 million fine imposed for Joe Watts’ injury accounts for approximately 0.14 percent of the film’s total earnings.
Looking ahead, the Fast and Furious franchise continues its journey with the upcoming installment referred to as “Fast X.” While the sequel lacks an official title, fans can mark their calendars for its scheduled release on April 4, 2025. Moreover, there are hints that additional movies in the franchise might be in development, promising more high-speed action and thrilling adventures for fans of the franchise.
In summary, the production of “F9: The Fast Saga” faced a substantial fine of $1 million following a serious stunt mishap. Despite this setback, the Fast and Furious franchise races forward, teasing fans with the promise of more thrilling adventures in the future.
