Seven movies about tragedies: a Star Wars disaster, Tom Cruise’s $80 million ankle break, Daniel Craig’s missing fingertip, and tragic deaths in Top Gun and Rust
Film sets are often thrilling environments, but they can also be fraught with danger, leading to tragic accidents and costly mishaps. Here are seven times when things went horribly wrong on film sets.
1. Top Gun Tragedy
During the production of the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, renowned stunt pilot Art Scholl died when his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Scholl was executing an inverted flat spin when he lost control. His tragic death left a mark on the film’s legacy.
2. Rust Shooting Incident
In 2021, a horrific accident occurred on the set of Rust, where a prop gun misfire resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. Actor Alec Baldwin, who fired the gun, has faced extensive legal and public scrutiny.
3. The Crow Fatal Shooting
Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was tragically killed on the set of The Crow in 1993 when a prop gun discharged a live round instead of a blank. This incident led to increased awareness and changes in safety protocols for firearms on set.
4. Tom Cruise’s $80 Million Ankle Injury
While filming “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” in 2017, Tom Cruise broke his ankle during a stunt, costing the production an estimated $80 million due to delays. Despite the injury, Cruise insisted on completing the scene, demonstrating his commitment to performing his own stunts.
5. Daniel Craig’s Missing Fingertip
On the set of Quantum of Solace*in 2008, Daniel Craig lost the tip of his finger during a fight scene. The injury was severe but not life-threatening, showcasing the physical risks involved in action films.
6. Star Wars Set Accident
Harrison Ford suffered a broken leg on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2014 when a hydraulic door malfunctioned. The injury caused significant delays in production but fortunately did not have long-term effects on Ford’s health.
7. Twilight Zone Helicopter Crash
In 1982, a helicopter crash during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie killed actor Vic Morrow and two child actors. This tragedy led to major changes in safety regulations and legal repercussions for those involved in the production.
These incidents highlight the inherent dangers of film production, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures to protect cast and crew members.
