Gladiator II stuntman sues for £200,000 over burns from on-set gas explosion
By Fuzzy Mushroom · Published
Liverpool stuntman and actor Edward Sarsfield, 47, is suing Paramount subsidiary August Street Films at London's High Court over a 2023 accident in Morocco, when a special-effects gas line exploded on a 'burning' ship while he lay on deck playing a dead soldier. His claim says his costume caught fire and he suffered flash burns to about 15% of his body, including his face, arms and hands, and was flown by helicopter to hospital in Marrakesh. The company's defence admits liability for the accident but makes no admission about his injuries or the £200,000 he is claiming.
Should big studio sets still be using real fire for stunts like this?
How solid is this story?
Spore Score for the story: 87 (Rock solid). Status: Confirmed. Official: Particulars of claim and defence filed at the High Court (King's Bench), reported by BBC News.
The films
- Gladiator II (2024): Spore Score 65, The Pros 70 vs The Punters 59
Sources
- BBC News: Gladiator II stuntman sues over injuries from on-set explosion (7 November 2026)
- The Telegraph: Gladiator II actor who suffered 'excruciating' burns sues for £200k (7 November 2026)
- Daily Mail: Stuntman sues Gladiator II makers for £200k after he caught fire (7 November 2026)
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