Marvel Studios initiates a thorough inquiry into the recent tragedy on the Wonder Man set, where a crew member tragically lost their life. Deeply mourning the loss, the studio pledges unwavering support for the victim’s family during this trying period. This untimely demise catalyzes intense scrutiny of safety protocols.
It underscores the industry’s persistent dedication to safeguarding the well-being of everyone engaged in film production.
Investigation Begins Following A Crew Member’s Death On Wonder Man’s Set
Marvel Studios has launched an investigation following a tragic incident on the set of Wonder Man. The crew experienced a devastating loss when a member, working as a rigger, fell from the rafters at Radford Studios.
The series, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, a stuntman-turned-superhero, was not actively filming at the time, but the crew was on-site. As per Deadline, Marvel Studios expressed condolences, stating,
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends, and our support is behind the investigation into the circumstances of this accident.”
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is conducting an inquiry, supported by the IATSE union. It emphasizes their commitment to safety on set.
President Matthew D. Loeb of IATSE said,
“Everyone in the IA family is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We are working to support our member’s family, and his fellow members and colleagues. Safety on set is our highest priority and we will assist Cal/OSHA in their investigation in any way that we can.”
For safety concerns, members are encouraged to use the IATSE Safety Hotline at “844-422-9273” or the “safety info app.”
Wonder Man had completed some filming before the SAG-AFTRA strike paused production in July. While it remains uncertain how much work is left, sources suggest most shooting is finished, with only a few pick-ups planned in the coming days or weeks.
The series boasts talents like Destin Daniel Creton and Andrew Guest, with Ben Kingsley reprising his role as Trevor Slattery. Unfortunately, accidents are not unusual in the entertainment industry.
Hollywood Encounters Numerous On-Set Tragedies
Tragedies on Hollywood sets are, unfortunately, all too common. Despite efforts to enforce safety rules, accidents still happen, and they can be devastating.
One example is the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust. She was fatally shot with a prop gun that unknowingly contained live ammunition, fired by actor Alec Baldwin.
This incident adds to a troubling history of on-set accidents. According to The Associated Press, between 1990 and 2016, at least 43 people lost their lives on U.S. sets, with over 150 sustaining life-altering injuries. These numbers may even be higher, as some accidents go unreported.
These tragedies highlight the dangers inherent in filmmaking, where intricate stunts, elaborate sets, and tight schedules create challenging working conditions.
Despite ongoing efforts to prioritize safety, the unpredictable nature of the industry means accidents can still occur.