When the stakes are high in movies, even fiction blurs into reality. Imagine Jackie Chan, the martial arts legend, crashing through the air as a stunt goes wrong in Armour of God, or Tom Hanks suffering a nearly career-ending bout of infection while filming Cast Away.
Such moments have shown the danger beneath Hollywood's glitz and glamour. While fans are distracted by breathtaking stunts and dramatic performances, many actors have unwittingly chanced their luck and found themselves in situations that would have ended their lives.
Let's go through experiences that made ordinary film sets battlegrounds for survival. You won't believe what these stars went through to entertain us!
10. Jackie Chan in Armour of God
Jackie Chan had nearly lost his life when he fell from a tree during a stunt in Armour of God. He underwent emergent brain surgery after cracking his skull, and he came back permanently deaf in one ear and with a noticeable dent in the head.
It is amongst many incidents that show the risks Chan undertakes to produce action-filled movies. Armour of God is an action movie that follows a secret agent on his quest to retrieve pilfered artifacts, together with adventure and martial arts.
Where to watch: Max
9. Halle Berry in The Call
In The Call, Halle Berry hit her head on the concrete floor while filming a fight scene; thus, she passed out. She was diagnosed to have suffered a concussion but managed to recover quite well.
The film is about a 911 operator who receives a life-or-death call from a kidnapped teenager. She goes to great dramatic lengths in her portrayal.
Where to watch: Max
8. Tom Hanks in Cast Away
In the movie Cast Away, a minor wound on Tom Hanks' leg eventually became a severe case of staph infection. This made him spend three days in the hospital. Such an infection carried great risks and would've proven fatal without treatment.
At the center of this film is a FedEx executive who gets stranded in the middle of nowhere on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. He must survive, setting the tone for all the odds against them.
Where to watch: Max
7. Dylan O'Brien in Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Dylan O'Brien was severely injured while filming for Maze Runner: The Death Cure. He was knocked down under an oncoming vehicle when performing a stunt scene. He sustained serious injuries on his face and brain.
His injuries put production almost a year behind due to surgery and recovery. Yet, the movie continues on its course of storytelling, involving the young heroes in their struggle against the oppressive forces in that dangerous, dystopian world.
Where to watch: Hulu
6. Brendan Fraser in The Mummy
Brendan Fraser was almost hanged to death by one of the crew members who miscalculated the noose during the highly strung hanging scene in The Mummy.
The film crew personnel had to rush Fraser to rescue him from almost hanging as he lost consciousness, and fortunately, he regained consciousness before being pronounced dead. This scene typifies the hazards that an actor goes through when carrying out his stunts for the stunning action sequences of the film.
The film chronicles an expedition to Egypt that uncovers ancient secrets and battles supernatural forces, cementing Fraser as an action icon of the time.
Where to watch: Max
5. Isla Fisher in Now You See Me
While filming an underwater escape scene for Now You See Me, Isla Fisher panicked as her chains got entangled and she became actually trapped.
It was so terrifying that the crew thought that her screaming was some sort of act until they realized she needed help, rescuing her after some frightening minutes.
A movie that centers the story on illusionists who commit bank robberies while performing magic for their audiences gives that watching ride an adventurous but entertaining twist of crime drama and magic.
Where to watch: Hulu
4. Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger
Johnny Depp had a close call when the horse threw him off in his latest flick, The Lone Ranger. Fortunately, the bruises were minor because the horse galloped over him.
The film follows the legendary lawman and his Native American friend as they fight injustice in the Wild West and again sees Depp commit himself to performing as many of the stunts as possible.
Where to watch: Disney+
3. Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ
Jim Caviezel was exposed to a series of life-threatening scenarios while shooting The Passion of the Christ, including pneumonia and hypothermia from below-freezing temperatures on set. He was even hit with lightning during one scene.
These incidents show the bodily cost of undertaking such a grueling role based on the final hours of the life of Jesus Christ before the crucifixion.
Where to watch: Hulu
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Premium Rush
During the shoot of Premium Rush, Joseph Gordon-Levitt rode into the face of a taxi during a highly aggressive bike scene. He received more than 30 stitches for facial injuries. But things would have been much worse without protective gear.
The movie plots the story of a bike messenger who, after delivering an envelope containing vital information, finds himself in the middle of a wild chase through New York.
Where to watch: Hulu
1. Kate Winslet in Titanic
There is one scene in Titanic where Kate Winslet is in danger. She narrowly gets trapped underwater in one of the sinking scenes, caused by a malfunctioning piece of equipment that causes other members of her crew trying to rescue her to panic.
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The movie vividly illustrates the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. It brings together love, tragedy, and historical events.
Where to watch: Hulu
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