Jason Statham’s Past Diving Experience Helped Him Survive Expendables 3 Stunt
The “Expendables” franchise has become one of the biggest action movie series of the 2010s, with the fourth installment set to release this year. The movies are known for their high-octane, non-CGI action sequences, which require actors to perform daring stunts themselves. While these stunts often go according to plan, at times, they can also cause potential danger to the actors involved.
Such was the case when Jason Statham, who plays a key role in the series, narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation during the filming of “Expendables 3.” The incident occurred during the shooting of a scene in Bulgaria where Statham’s character and his crew escape from the movie’s villain’s men in a flatbed truck. The truck’s brakes failed, and it fell into the Black Sea, putting Statham in a dangerous situation.
A Nasty Experience
What saved Statham was his past diving experience. It is not widely known, but Statham is a former diver who competed for England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. He had no issues swimming, however, his gun holster got snagged, causing him to panic. Statham later said in an interview that the incident was a “real recalibration of everything” for him.
He added, “From that day on, I’ve been so appreciative of life and being able to walk on the ground.” To shoot the scene again, he went back after drying up, and there were no errors this time. The actor’s survival instincts kicked in and helped him navigate the dangerous situation.
Perspective on Life
While the “Expendables” franchise is known for its action sequences, the incident reminded Statham of how dangerous these stunts can be. He added in the same interview, “It’s a nasty, nasty experience, but it’s one that puts things in perspective.” The accident changed Statham’s perspective on life and made him appreciate it more.
Dangerous Situations on Movie Sets
The incident with Statham highlights the dangers that actors face while filming stunts. As seen by what happened to Sylvester Stallone, who also got injured while filming “Expendables 3,” these incidents are not uncommon. Stallone fell on the set and permanently damaged his back, requiring that metal be inserted, causing him to have to use a cane.
Despite the dangers, actors continue to perform stunts themselves, pushing the boundaries of what is possible to create epic action movies for their audience. However, incidents like this serve as a reminder to everyone involved that safety is paramount and that it is critical to take every possible precaution to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
Editorial
In a world where many people look up to celebrities and actors for their style, achievements and lifestyles, it is important that we reflect on the risks they take while doing their jobs. This incident with Jason Statham is another reminder that the work that actors perform is not only glamorous and fun, but also hazardous. Diving experience, as was the case for Statham, and other survival skills may come in handy in such situations, but it is essential that actors and production teams take safety precautions and not rely solely on their experience and skills.
Advice
While the lifestyles of the rich and famous may seem glamorous, it is essential that we appreciate the amount of risk they take to entertain us. We must respect the risks that come with entertainment professions and demand the highest possible standards of safety for all involved.
<< photo by Skyler Sion >>
