The Fast & Furious franchise is known for its breathtaking action sequences, but one particular stunt during the filming of F9 had life-altering consequences. In 2019, stunt performer Joe Watts, who doubled for Vin Diesel, suffered a devastating accident on set, resulting in severe injuries. Years later, the production company faced legal action, ultimately being fined $1 million for safety lapses.
Watts, an experienced stuntman with credits in films like Solo: A Star Wars Story and Game of Thrones, sustained a fractured skull and brain damage after a failed stunt. The accident occurred due to a safety wire malfunction, causing him to plummet over 20 feet onto concrete. An investigation by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that crucial safety protocols were not followed, leading to the unfortunate incident.
According to reports, the original stunt was adjusted at the last minute—Watts was meant to be thrown over a person’s right shoulder, but the direction was changed to the left. In the process, his safety line detached, and crash mats were not repositioned. When the fall happened, there was no proper protection to reduce the impact.
The court found these lapses inexcusable, with District Judge Talwinder Buttar calling the oversight “astonishing.” HSE Inspector Roxanne Barker further stressed the importance of safety in stunt coordination, stating, “In stunt work, the goal isn’t just to prevent falls—it’s about minimizing injury risks.”
As a result of the investigation, FF9 Pictures, a UK-based subsidiary of Universal Pictures, accepted responsibility and was fined $1 million by the Luton Magistrates’ Court. The case serves as a critical reminder that rigorous safety measures are essential in high-risk film productions.