RABAT: Several crew members were hurt while filming the Gladiator sequel in Morocco due to a stunt disaster.
The injuries, according to the movie’s production firm Paramount Pictures, were not life-threatening and occurred during the filming of a planned stunt sequence, the BBC said.
According to the statement, the crew members were “all in stable condition and are still receiving treatment.”
The Sun earlier this week claimed there had been an explosion and six individuals had been sent to the hospital.
“It was horrific. A massive ball of flames screamed up and snatched up a number of crew members. I’ve never witnessed an accident so terrifying in all the years I’ve been filming, a source told the publication.
They said, “This has shaken up everyone involved, from the lowest runners to the star names.”
A Paramount Pictures spokesman issued the following statement: “The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care.”
They said that all of their productions follow “strict health and safety procedures,” and that they will take “all necessary precautions as we resume production.”
No actors were hurt, but six people needed burn treatment, and four are still in the hospital, according to Variety.
The sequel, which is slated for release in November 2024, will once again be directed by Sir Ridley Scott, who also helmed the historical drama picture from 2000.
The sequel, which also features Paul Mescal from Normal People, Denzel Washington, and Connie Nielson, has no title as of yet.
The original movie garnered five Oscars, including the best actor award for Russell Crowe, who starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus as the Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius.
Maximus begins the film as a battle hero before being coerced into becoming a gladiator; the story is set at the height of the Roman Empire.
Gladiator’s $457 million (£355 million) worldwide gross helped bring back the historical epic drama genre, which had been out of favour for many years.
