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Gladiator II Actor Burns in Fiery Set Accident
7 Nov
Summary
- Actor Edward Sarsfield suffered severe burns on the Gladiator II set.
- A gas line explosion caused 20ft flames, engulfing the actor.
- Sarsfield is suing for £200,000 in damages for permanent scarring.
British actor Edward Sarsfield has initiated legal action against August Street Films, one of the production companies for the film Gladiator II. He claims to have sustained "excruciating" burns and permanent scarring during an accident that occurred in 2023 while filming a scene on a burning ship. The incident took place in Morocco.
During the filming, a gas line used for special effects reportedly exploded, creating 20ft flames that ignited Sarsfield's costume. He was portraying a dead soldier on the ship. His legal claim states that approximately 15% of his body, including his face, was burned.
Colleagues quickly provided aid by throwing water on his burns and helping him to undress. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in Marrakesh, where he remained in severe pain. He was repatriated to the UK four days later for further treatment.
August Street Films has admitted liability for the accident but has not yet agreed to the £200,000 in damages that Sarsfield is seeking. The company also disputes the severity of the alleged injuries claimed by the actor, who was formerly described as a man of "considerable physical prowess."
Gladiator II, released in 2024, is the sequel to the acclaimed 2000 film. The follow-up was directed by Sir Ridley Scott and starred Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
