Gladiator II stuntman sues over injuries from on-set explosion

A British stuntman and actor has initiated legal action against one of the companies involved in the production of Gladiator II, alleging he endured severe burns and permanent scarring due to an accident during filming on a burning ship. Edward Sarsfield was portraying a dead soldier in a 2023 scene when a gas line used for creating special effects suddenly exploded, producing flames that reached up to 20 feet and ignited his costume, according to his legal complaint.

The incident took place while Sarsfield was lying on the port side of a ship set ablaze by gas-powered flame bars, just a short distance from the gas line. In his court documents filed at London’s High Court, he described how the explosion threw him forwards, with intense heat engulfing him. He experienced “immense heat” and noticed sections of skin peeling off from his arms. In a state of panic, he attempted to flee, stumbling several times before his colleagues doused the flames with bottles of water, removed his clothes, and applied clingfilm to his burns.

The claim details that Sarsfield suffered “flash burns” over approximately 15% of his body, including his face, arms, and hands, as well as injuries to his knees and right wrist. He was airlifted to a hospital in Marrakesh where he endured severe pain and received limited treatment. After being repatriated to the UK four days later, his injuries were treated more appropriately. The legal statement highlights the lasting impact on Sarsfield’s physical condition, noting he experienced significant muscle de-conditioning and restricted mobility. Additionally, he developed psychological symptoms and sustained permanent hypersensitive scarring, which requires him to avoid sun exposure.

August Street Films, against whom Sarsfield is suing, confirmed its liability regarding the accident but has neither accepted the severity of the injuries nor agreed to the £200,000 damages sought. The company is a subsidiary of Paramount, which acknowledged in 2023 that multiple crew members were injured in the stunt mishap. A Paramount spokesperson stated that everyone affected received prompt medical attention, and all remain in stable condition. They emphasized the studio’s commitment to stringent health and safety practices and their ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate risks as filming continues. Neither Sarsfield, August Street Films, nor Paramount have provided further comments on the matter