Entertainment

Stuntman Sues Over Burns Sustained in Gladiator II On-Set Explosion

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

A British stuntman and actor, Edward Sarsfield, is suing August Street Films, a company involved in the production of Gladiator II, after he suffered severe burns and permanent scarring during a filming accident in 2023. Sarsfield, 47, from Liverpool, was playing a dead soldier in a scene shot in Morocco when a gas line used for special effects exploded on a burning ship. The explosion produced 20‑foot flames that ignited his costume. He reported that he panicked and ran, falling several times before escaping the flames. Colleagues threw bottles of water over his burns, which covered about 15 % of his body, including his face, arms and hands. The legal claim states that Sarsfield suffered flash burns to 15 % of his body, injuries to both knees and his right wrist, and was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Marrakesh. He was later repatriated to the UK, where his wounds were treated. The claim alleges that Sarsfield has experienced significant physical de‑conditioning, mobility limitations, psychological symptoms, and permanent hypersensitive scarring that requires protection from the sun. Sarsfield is seeking £200,000 in damages. August Street Films’ defence acknowledges liability for the accident but does not admit to the alleged injuries or agree to the requested damages. The company is a subsidiary of Paramount. Paramount stated in 2023 that several crew members sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries during the stunt sequence and that safety and medical teams responded promptly. The company said all affected individuals were in stable condition and that health and safety procedures remain in place. Sarsfield, August Street Films and Paramount have declined to provide further comments. The lawsuit was filed in London’s High Court. The film, released in 2024, is the sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator and was directed by Sir Ridley Scott, starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.