British stuntman sues Gladiator II company over injuries in fire; no explosion is alleged
Burns during ship scene
Sarsfield’s legal claim says he was lying on the port side of a ship as gas-powered flame bars simulated a fire. He says he saw flames about 20 feet high and felt intense heat before his costume ignited.
The claim states that strips of skin came away from his arms. Sarsfield says he panicked and ran, and colleagues poured bottles of water over his burns. His injuries included flash burns to about 15% of his body, including his face, arms and hands, as well as injuries to both knees and his right wrist.
Hospital treatment and effects
According to the legal documents, Sarsfield was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Marrakesh. His claim says the injuries left him with permanent scarring and reduced mobility.
The filing describes a decline in his physical conditioning and alleges he also experienced psychological symptoms. Sarsfield has appeared in Dungeons & Dragons, Moonhaven and Troye Sivan’s Party video.
Company response and film
August Street Films, named in the legal proceedings, said in its defence that it made no admission about the injuries Sarsfield alleges. The article does not provide further details about the claim’s status.
Gladiator II was released in 2024 as a sequel to the 2000 film starring Russell Crowe. Sir Ridley Scott directed the follow-up, which starred Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
Earlier production statement
In 2023, a Paramount spokesperson said an accident during a planned stunt sequence had caused several crew members to suffer non-life-threatening injuries. The spokesperson said cast and crew welfare was a priority and that safety procedures were in place.
The statement also said production would continue with monitoring and precautions. It did not identify Sarsfield or give details of the injuries described in his later claim.
Key points
- Edward Sarsfield is suing a company behind Gladiator II over an alleged on-set fire.
- His claim says burns affected about 15% of his body.
- He alleges lasting scarring, reduced mobility and psychological symptoms.
- August Street Films has not admitted the alleged injuries.