Edward Sarsfield, 47, of Liverpool, filed a legal claim at London’s High Court seeking around £200,000 in damages following the incident on set. A British stuntman and actor is suing one of the production companies behind Gladiator II, alleging he suffered “excruciating” burns and permanent scarring during a 2023 filming accident on a burning ship.
Gas Line Explosion Injures Stuntman
The ship had been illuminated by gas-powered flame bars to simulate fire. The accident occurred while Sarsfield was working as an extra on the set of the Gladiator sequel, portraying a dead soldier lying on the port side of a vessel.
The Claimant, playing a dead soldier, was lying on the port side of a ship which had been lit up by gas powered flame bars to simulate it being on fire,
Edward Sarsfield, High Court claim
A gas line positioned a few feet away from him exploded without warning. It caught him in the blast and blew him forward. His costume caught fire as he encountered 20-foot flames and intense heat. He immediately realized strips of skin had peeled from his arms.
He panicked and ran, falling over a few times before escaping the flames. Bottles of water were thrown on him by colleagues, he was undressed and clingfilm was applied to his burns.
Edward Sarsfield, High Court claim
Hospitalization and Long-Term Recovery
Sarsfield suffered flash burns covering about 15% of his body. These included his face, arms, and hands, alongside injuries to both knees and his right wrist. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Marrakesh. Treatment was initially limited while he remained in excruciating pain there. He was repatriated to the UK four days later for appropriate hospital treatment.
Formerly a man of considerable physical prowess, the Claimant suffered considerable physical de-conditioning,
Edward Sarsfield, High Court claim
Mobility limitations, psychological symptoms, and permanent scarring are detailed in his legal filings. This hypersensitive scarring requires him to avoid sun exposure.
He has sustained significant scarring that is permanent and which is hypersensitive. He needs to keep out of the sun.
Edward Sarsfield, High Court claim
Film Studio Admits Liability for the Accident
August Street Films stated in its legal defense that it admits liability for the accident. The company being sued made no admissions regarding the specific injuries or the requested £200,000 in damages.
no admissions are made as to the alleged injuries sustained by the Claimant
August Street Films, legal defense
Film studio Paramount operates August Street Films as a subsidiary. A Paramount spokesperson addressed the safety protocols surrounding the production following the 2023 incident.
While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the Gladiator sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries.
Paramount spokesperson
On-site safety and medical teams responded quickly to provide necessary care. Production later resumed following health and safety evaluations.
The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.
Paramount spokesperson