Movies have always captivated audiences, offering an escape from reality and immersing viewers in captivating stories. This is especially true for action and adventure films, where the intensity of scenes often masks the real-life risks faced by actors. Many of these thrilling moments are achieved through meticulous planning and safety measures, but some actors have faced life-threatening dangers to bring these scenes to life. Thankfully, such incidents are now rare in Hollywood due to stringent safety protocols. However, there are numerous examples of actors who narrowly escaped serious injury or death while filming dangerous stunts. This article explores ten notable instances where actors encountered near-disastrous accidents on set.

Eli Wallach – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

During the filming of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” actor Eli Wallach, who played the character Tuco, faced death on three separate occasions in a series of astonishing incidents. The first occurred when Wallach accidentally ingested a corrosive acid that had been carelessly placed in a soda bottle by a crew member. He was rushed to the hospital, and doctors managed to save his life after performing an emergency stomach washout.

In the second incident, Wallach was filming a scene where he was supposed to be tied to a horse. The horse was startled by gunfire and bolted, dragging Wallach for nearly a mile before the crew managed to stop it.

The third close call happened when director Sergio Leone insisted on filming Wallach lying on a railroad track while a speeding train passed by. The crew failed to account for the train’s low clearance, and Wallach’s head narrowly missed being severed by the train’s wheels.

Johnny Depp – The Lone Ranger

While filming “The Lone Ranger” in 2013, Johnny Depp was thrown from his horse during a scene. The footage shows Depp sliding off the side of the galloping horse before falling to the ground. Despite the horse jumping over him, Depp narrowly avoided being trampled. He sustained only minor injuries and continued filming after receiving medical attention.

Michael J. Fox – Back to the Future Part III

In the mid-1980s, the “Back to the Future” series catapulted Michael J. Fox to stardom. However, during the filming of the third installment, Fox nearly lost his life while shooting a hanging scene. Despite extensive rehearsals with a stunt coordinator, the noose tightened around Fox’s neck during the actual filming, restricting his breathing. The crew initially thought he was acting, but eventually realized he was in genuine distress. Fox lost consciousness but was rescued in time.

Isla Fisher – Now You See Me

Isla Fisher’s near-tragic incident on the set of “Now You See Me” mirrored the dangerous circumstances faced by Michael J. Fox. Fisher was supposed to escape from a water-filled glass box while handcuffed. During filming, the chains became entangled, trapping her underwater. Fisher struggled to free herself and began pounding on the glass in panic. Initially, the crew did not recognize the emergency, believing her reactions to be part of the scene. Fisher managed to escape just in time and later described the incident as terrifying.

Kate Winslet – Titanic

Kate Winslet, whose career soared with her role in “Titanic,” faced serious hazards during filming. Winslet was briefly trapped underwater when her coat snagged on a gate. She recounted to the Los Angeles Times that she struggled to breathe and feared her lungs might burst. Director James Cameron, known for his rigorous approach, insisted on retaking the scene despite the dangerous circumstances. This was not the only time Cameron’s filming conditions posed risks, as actor Ed Harris nearly drowned while making “The Abyss.”

Viggo Mortensen – The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

Viggo Mortensen, famous for his portrayal of Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings,” encountered multiple dangers while filming the trilogy. Mortensen insisted on performing his own stunts and using real swords and knives. During the first film, he narrowly avoided injury when a real knife was accidentally thrown at him. In the second film, Mortensen broke two toes while kicking a metal helmet and almost drowned while filming a scene in a river. The heavy armor he wore caused him to sink, but he was rescued in time.

Dylan O’Brien – Maze Runner

The “Maze Runner” series, based on James Dashner’s novels, has seen its share of on-set accidents. While filming the third installment, Dylan O’Brien suffered severe injuries during a dangerous stunt. He was pulled from a vehicle and collided with another, resulting in a concussion, facial fractures, and a brain injury. Production was halted for nearly a year while O’Brien recovered and underwent reconstructive surgery.

Jim Caviezel – The Passion of the Christ

Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus Christ in “The Passion of the Christ,” experienced numerous injuries while filming. These included bruises, abrasions, and a dislocated shoulder. Notably, Caviezel was struck by lightning during the filming of the “Sermon on the Mount” scene but survived without serious harm. Despite the challenges, Caviezel’s portrayal remains a significant achievement in his career.

Sylvester Stallone – Rocky IV

Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky IV” is renowned for its dramatic boxing sequences. Stallone allowed co-star Dolph Lundgren to deliver real punches during their fight scenes. Lundgren’s blows were so intense that Stallone spent nine days in the hospital with heart issues caused by the impact. The punches caused a dangerous reduction in blood and oxygen flow, leading to swelling and other health complications.

Jackie Chan – Armor of God

Jackie Chan, known for performing his own stunts, has faced numerous on-set injuries. One of the most severe occurred during the filming of “Armor of God” in 1987. While jumping from a cliff onto a tree, Chan fell when a branch broke, landing on his back and hitting his head on a rock. The impact caused skull fractures and pushed bone fragments into his brain, nearly causing his death. Despite the severity of the accident, Chan continued to perform his own stunts in future films.