The set of the upcoming blockbuster Gladiator 2 has been set alight after a costly special effect fireball went wrong.
The incident reportedly wounded six crew members who were rushed to hospital, leaving actors such as Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington “shaken up” after the scene unfolded.
It’s not yet confirmed what caused the expensive special effect to malfunction into a dangerous blaze but some witnesses have speculated that a gas pipe may have ruptured sending the flames sky high.
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A source told The Sun: “It was terrifying – a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path.
“In years of filming I’ve never seen an accident so scary.
(Image: Universal/Getty Images)
“Six production staff had to be rushed to hospital for treatment.
“Hopefully everyone will be OK, but it was a serious accident.
“Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this.”
Prior to the accident, the cast were already enduring hot temperatures with director Ridley Scott deciding to film in the Sahara Desert, Morocco.
At the time of the fire, the crew were filming in the city of Ouarzazate where temperatures regularly reach a sweltering 35-degrees Celcius.
Gladiator 2 is the sequel to the 2000 blockbuster Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, who won an Oscar for his role as Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius.
Russell will not be returning to the latest film, 23 years on from his Gladiator debut.
(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Instead, the new film will follow Irish actor Paul Mescal who will be taking on the role of Maximus’ descendant known as Lucius.
Lucius is the young Roman aristocrat originally seen alongside Meridius in the first film.
Normal People heartthrob, Paul, will be joined by a star line up including Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal.
However, the film won’t be released this year, with fans having to wait until late 2024 to catch Gladiator 2 in cinemas.
No information has been given on whether the fire will alter timelines for the film’s release.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
