Anna Daniels
We don’t have to stray far into the past to find an example of tragedy on the Fast set. Vin Diesel’s stunt double Joe Watts was injured in a terrifying fall while F9 was shooting in the UK in July 2019. According to UK tabloid The Sun, Watts fell 30 feet from an elevated stage at a Warner Bros.’ studio in Leavesden, England. The movie’s second unit was filming an action sequence, but shut down for the day after Watts suffered a severe head injury.
Watts was put into an induced coma, according to unnamed sources who spoke to USA Today. A little over two weeks later, he was moved from the intensive care unit to the relief of his family and the team behind Fast 9.
“While Joe remains in hospital and there is still a long road ahead, he has been moved out of the ICU and doctors are pleased with his progress,” a statement shared by the family read. “We’d especially like to send an enormous thank-you to the air-ambulance crew, all the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal London Hospital who have provided amazing care to Joe.”
Universal also shared a statement about the news that Watts had been moved out of the ICU.
“Universal Pictures and the filmmakers, talent and crew of Fast & Furious 9, are heartened that Joe is on the road to recovery with the support of his loved ones,” the studio said. “We know he’ll continue to inspire us throughout his recovery. Everyone in the Fast family sends our heartfelt wishes, and we will continue to support Joe and his family however we can.”
Written by: Looper
