Harrison Ford is known for his iconic performance as Han Solo in the Star Wars universe. Despite being vocal about his dislike for the character, Ford reprised his role for 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which launched the sequels era of the space opera franchise.
However, the film’s production wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience for the veteran actor. According to reports, Ford was involved in an accident that resulted in the production firm facing a hefty fine for the alleged carelessness. Here is everything you need to know about Harrison Ford’s accident on the sets of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Harrison Ford’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens Injury Resulted in a $2 Million Fine
Actor Harrison Ford debuted as Han Solo in 1977’s Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). The actor reprised the iconic scoundrel-turned Rebel pilot in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first installment in the sequel trilogy, which grossed over $2 billion.
The film was shot at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, but during a June 2014 shoot of the movie, Ford was involved in an unfortunate accident. The actor was injured after he was struck by a metal door on the Millennium Falcon spaceship set.
According to reports, a lawsuit was filed against Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, owned by Disney. The accident allegedly resulted in Ford experiencing the weight of a small car thrust upon him, resulting in a serious injury.
During a court hearing, the judge concluded that the firm had failed to properly communicate the risks of filming the scene to the veteran actor.
If you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one? That is the most serious breach here.
Judge Francis Sheridan reportedly made the above statement about the incident, holding the firm accountable for the accident.
The judge added that involving Ford in the discussions regarding risk assessment might have helped avoid the unfortunate accident. As a result of its negligence, the firm was ordered to pay a hefty fine of $2 million and also instructed to implement new safety protocols to avoid such accidents in the future.
Harrison Ford Was Also Injured While Filming For His Other Blockbuster Franchise
While filming The Force Awakens, Ford suffered a leg injury but recovered and completed the film, which sees his character perish. However, this wasn’t the only time the actor faced an injury on the sets of an iconic franchise.
Ford reprised his role as Indiana Jones for the final installment in the action-adventure franchise. Directed by James Mangold, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny marks the final appearance of Ford as the iconic archaeologist.
According to reports, Ford injured his shoulder while rehearsing a fight scene for the movie in 2021. As a result, Mangold had to continue filming without the lead star until Ford recovered from the injury. Similarly, Ford had also suffered a major back injury when he was shooting The Temple of Doom.
Thankfully, none of these injuries had a lasting impact on Ford’s career as the actor continues to star in action-heavy movies. Ford will next be seen in the upcoming film Captain America: Brave New World. The actor will take over the role of General Thunderbolt Ross, marking his MCU debut with the film.
Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies are streaming on Disney+.
