Beyond the dip in quality and storytelling in F9, the film now exacerbates certain issues and compromises various aspects of filmmaking. Accidents are commonplace in action films, yet the latest franchise installments are not spared from ill fate.
During shooting, a serious accident occurred, resulting in severe injury to a stunt performer. An investigation into the incident unveiled that the makers were violating the U.K.’s Health and Safety at Work Act.
At Luton Magistrates Court in the UK, District Judge Talwinder Buttar imposed an £800,000 penalty on FF9 Pictures Limited. Additionally, the company was ordered to cover £14,752.85 in costs.
In July 2019, during the filming of a “Fast and Furious” movie at Warner Bros. Studios, stunt performer Joe Watts suffered “life-changing” injuries. A Health and Safety Executive investigation disclosed that Watts fell 25 feet onto concrete due to a detached line on his stunt vest, resulting in a fractured skull and severe traumatic brain injury, leaving him permanently impaired and disabled.
The investigation also exposed the company’s negligence in addressing potential rope snap issues, inadequate link security checks, and the use of a forbidden harness. Moreover, the absence of proper crash matting after stunt sequence changes posed serious risks. HSE stated that Watts narrowly avoided a fatal outcome.
