A British stuntman and actor has launched a legal battle against August Street Films, a company behind the production ofGladiator II. Edward Sarsfield, 47, alleges that a 2023 on-set explosion in Morocco left him with permanent, hypersensitive scarring and significant physical limitations. Causing 20ft flames that made his costume catch fire, his legal claim said, edward Sarsfield was playing a dead soldier in the movie in 2023 when a gas line used for special effects exploded on the vessel. Gladiator II, released in 2024, was the long-awaited sequel to the hit 2000 drama starring Russell Crowe. Edward Sarsfield has also appeared in Dungeons & Dragons, Moonhaven and pop star Troye Sivan’s Party video.
The incident occurred while filming a sequence involving a coastal castle under siege.
According to legal documents filed at the High Court in London, Sarsfield was cast as a deceased soldier positioned near a ship’s gas-powered flame bars. He was positioned only a few feet away from the gas line.
Without warning, a gas line erupted, throwing 20-foot flames toward him. He saw 20 foot tall flames and felt immense heat.
The explosion caused his costume to ignite, leading to severe burns across 15% of his body, including his face, hands, and arms.
Sarsfield reported that he “panicked and ran” while his skin peeled from his arms. Colleagues eventually doused him with water, removed his clothing, and applied clingfilm to the injuries. He was subsequently transported by helicopter to a hospital in Marrakesh, though he described the local treatment as limited. Four days later, he was flown back to the UK for further medical care. Falling over a few times before escaping the flames, he panicked and ran. The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment. We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.
Once a man of notable physical prowess, Sarsfield claims he now suffers from physical de-conditioning and psychological distress. His legal filing notes that his permanent scarring is hypersensitive, requiring him to strictly avoid sun exposure.
The production company, a subsidiary of Paramount, has formally admitted liability for the accident. However, the legal defense maintains that no specific admissions have been made regarding the extent of the alleged injuries, and they have not agreed to the requested £200,000 in damages.
Legal and Medical Details
- Claimant: Edward Sarsfield, 47, from Liverpool.
- Reported Injuries: “Flash burns” covering 15% of his body, wrist and knee injuries, and permanent scarring.
- Production Context: The film, released in 2024, was directed by Sir Ridley Scott and starred Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington.
- Initial Response: A 2023 Paramount spokesperson confirmed several crew members sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate care.
At the time of the incident, Paramount stated that the well-being of the cast and crew remained its highest priority, emphasizing that strict safety procedures were in place. Both the film studio and August Street Films have declined to offer further comments on the ongoing litigation.
