Movie sets are often perilous places where the line between reality and simulation can blur dangerously. From natural disasters to human errors, the risk is ever-present for both actors and crew. Here are ten film shoots that came perilously close to disaster but managed to pull through.
1. Now You See Me (2013)
In the magic-themed thriller Now You See Me, Isla Fisher’s character is chained in a water tank, attempting to escape before piranhas are released. During filming, the quick-release mechanism failed, and Fisher nearly drowned as the crew believed her struggle was part of the act. Fortunately, she was rescued just in time.
2. Back to the Future Part III (1990)
In the Wild West setting of Back to the Future Part III, Michael J. Fox’s character is hanged by a noose. To achieve a realistic effect, Fox was suspended by the neck, leading to an incident where he lost consciousness. The quick actions of the crew saved him from a fatal accident.
3. The Abyss (1989)
James Cameron’s underwater epic The Abyss saw actor Ed Harris filming at 45 feet underwater with no oxygen supply of his own. During one take, his safety diver got tangled, leaving Harris to search for air. A cameraman’s quick intervention prevented a potential drowning.
4. Super Mario Bros. (1993)
The live-action adaptation of Super Mario Bros. was fraught with danger, particularly for Bob Hoskins, who was nearly drowned, electrocuted, and had his finger broken. Despite these close calls, Hoskins completed the film unscathed.
5. The Craft (1996)
During the beach scene in The Craft where the witches “call the corners,” an unexpected high tide caused waves to crash onto the set, nearly sweeping away the crew and equipment. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the shoot continued.
6. Waterworld (1995)
Waterworld faced numerous challenges, including near-drowning incidents involving Jeanne Tripplehorn and Tina Majorino, and Kevin Costner being caught in rough weather while lashed to a mast. The crew’s swift response averted tragedy multiple times.
7. The Exorcist (1973)
The set of The Exorcist was plagued with accidents, including a fire that burned down much of the set. The fire occurred overnight, luckily avoiding any casualties, though it delayed production significantly.
8. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Filming Apocalypse Now in the Philippines took a toll on Martin Sheen, who suffered a heart attack due to the grueling conditions. Director Francis Ford Coppola pushed Sheen to the brink, but the actor’s recovery allowed the film to be completed.
9. Scream (1996)
In the climax of Scream, Neve Campbell’s stunt double accidentally stabbed Skeet Ulrich with an umbrella, hitting the precise spot of his childhood open-heart surgery. Ulrich was in significant pain but recovered without lasting damage.
10. Cast Away (2000)
During the filming of Cast Away, Tom Hanks sustained a cut that developed into a life-threatening staph infection. Hospitalized for three days, Hanks used the recovery period to work on script rewrites, eventually returning to finish the film.
These near-disasters highlight the inherent risks of filmmaking, where the quest for realism can sometimes push the boundaries of safety. Despite these challenges, the quick thinking and responsiveness of film crews ensure that the show goes on.
