Whereas plenty of latest speak about stunt performers concerned why there must be awards for individuals who work on movies on the Oscars (which is lastly set to occur on the 2028 Academy Awards), the performers’ security is at all times the most important concern. Many beloved tv collection (together with some on the 2025 TV schedule) additionally wouldn’t be wherever close to as thrilling with out stunt performers, and we will definitely depend Recreation of Thrones amongst that quantity. Whereas the hit fantasy led to 2019, latest reveals about some on-set accidents have troubled the neighborhood, and HBO has now responded.
What Have been The Recreation Of Thrones On-Set Stunt Accidents And How Did HBO Reply?
Say what you’ll in regards to the closing season of Recreation of Thrones or its quite contentious finale, however there’s little question that it’s going to go down in historical past as a present that helped to vary the TV sport. A part of the explanation for that’s the very costly manufacturing values, which possible included tons of of stunt performers throughout its eight seasons.
Now, although, HBO and stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam (who’s moved on to creating stunts for the GOT prequel, Home of the Dragon) have come underneath fireplace after Deadline obtained new proof and statements relating to two separate incidents the place accidents have been sustained by GOT stunt performers Casey Michaels and Andy Pilgrim. A behind the scenes video was leaked which exhibits Pilgrim fracturing his ankle whereas filming Season 5’s “Hardhome” in November 2014, an incident which mirrored how Michaels was harm whereas engaged on Season 8. The community has defended its security requirements, and Irlam, saying by means of a spokesperson:
We take these issues very significantly. Mr. Irlam is a celebrated and revered stunt coordinator and has an intensive historical past with HBO productions. As an professional in such a bodily demanding subject, we stay assured in his talents and know he has at all times accomplished the whole lot potential to keep up the excessive security requirements which can be required on our productions.
In every case, Michaels and Pilgrim allege that the scene the place they have been injured was deliberate a technique, however when it got here time to movie, the motion wasn’t accomplished in the identical means, together with further performers being added and a few security measures being lessened. Michaels shattered her left ankle, an damage which was critical sufficient to finish her profession and led to a payout of $9.3 million (in U.S. {dollars}) from HBO and an apology from the corporate’s attorneys.
Irlam has additionally spoken out, through a press release issued by the cabler, and famous that the case that was introduced in opposition to Hearth & Blood Productions (the HBO firm that produced GOT) by Pilgrim (who settled his case for $686,000, U.S.) “was resolved…and there have been no rulings or findings of fault in opposition to me personally.” He continued by noting that Pilgrim continued to work with him and his workforce on the drama for 2 extra seasons, and added:
As an skilled stunt coordinator of over 20 years, I’ve efficiently and safely managed tons of of advanced stunt sequences throughout movie and tv. We put nice care into designing stunt sequences with security as the highest precedence. Within the uncommon situations when an damage does happen, it’s deeply upsetting for everybody concerned…The accusations you set ahead are merely unfaithful and unfounded.
It’s at all times been apparent that performing stunts is a difficult and harmful enterprise, however, hopefully, an abundance of warning is taken earlier than, throughout, and after such scenes to be sure that all performers are as protected as potential.