In the heart-pounding world of action filmmaking, few narratives rival the intensity of Jason Statham’s harrowing brush with death during the production of The Expendables 3. While the franchise garners acclaim for its pulse-pounding stunts and star-studded ensemble, an off-screen ordeal pushed one of its leading actors to the brink.
Sylvester Stallone
Sharing the screen with Sylvester Stallone, the 56-year-old confronted a life-threatening situation, compelling him to navigate the deadly waters of the Black Sea, proof of his unwavering resolve.

Jason Statham’s Near-Fatal Accident On The Set Of Expendables 3

Few stories in the world of adrenaline-pumping action movies can compare to Jason Statham’s dangerous near-death experience while filming The Expendables 3.

While the franchise is celebrated for its awe-inspiring stunts and a star-studded ensemble cast, it was an off-screen incident that truly tested one of its leading men.

Jason Statham
The original plan for The Expendables series was to give a nod to classic action movies by utilizing the charisma of seasoned action stars like Sylvester Stallone and Statham.

However, during the filming of The Expendables 3, a seemingly straightforward stunt took a dangerous turn.

In the film’s opening act, the crew embarks on a mission to Somalia, leading to a high-octane chase with Stonebanks’ henchmen. Statham’s character, Christmas, is behind the wheel of a flatbed truck in a climactic scene.

This sequence, shot in Bulgaria, turned into a real-life nightmare during a rehearsal when the truck’s brakes failed, sending it hurtling off a pier into the unforgiving waters of the Black Sea.

Statham, a former diver who had represented England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, managed to escape through an open window.
Jason Statham in The Expendables 3
However, in a candid account of the accident to Red Bulletin via The Evening Standard, he disclosed how his gun holster became entangled, causing a moment of panic. He explained,
“It’s a real recalibration of everything. From that day on, I’ve been so appreciative of life and being able to walk on the ground. I think we all need [an experience] like that; one that puts things in perspective.”
Fortunately, he released himself from the perilous situation, also thanks to the swift response of The Expendables 3 crew members who ensured his safety.

This incident served as a stark reminder of the very real risks that lurk behind the scenes of Hollywood’s adrenaline-charged spectacles.

Yet, Statham’s heart-stopping near-tragedy during The Expendables 3 isn’t the sole instance of adversity. Stallone, another stalwart of the franchise, also grappled with a serious injury while filming the same installment.

Sylvester Stallone Endured A Severe Injury While Filming The Expendables 3

Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross in a still from The Expendables franchise
In the electrifying land of action movie-making, Stallone’s mettle faced the ultimate trial during the production of The Expendables 3.

Renowned for his iconic portrayals as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of physical performance. During the making of this third installment in The Expendables franchise, the actor shared a candid account of one of his most serious injuries.

Working alongside a stellar ensemble cast, Stallone confronted a severe injury that rippled through the production.

This arduous ordeal unfolded as he reprised his role as leader Barney Ross, with the 77-year-old action legend humorously connecting the severity of his injuries to the quality of his films.

Stallone’s back injury, referred to as a “back blast,” necessitated surgery, marking just one of several mishaps that the cast faced.

According to Mirror, Stallone humorously remarked,
“I grade the quality of a film by the intensity of the injuries. When I shot Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, I never got hurt. Through Rambo and The Expendables, I break my neck and my spine and I dislocate both shoulders. In this one here, I end up really taking a fall on my back and had some metal put in there, so if you hear any squeaking, it’s not my shoes but my back. But I’m getting better.”
He went on to recount how his dedication to delivering thrilling action sequences led to incidents like breaking his neck, and spine, and dislocating both shoulders during his illustrious career.

Through it all, Stallone’s unwavering commitment to his craft reminds us of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of cinematic excellence, exemplifying the resilience that defines the world of action heroes.

Source: Looper, Evening Standard, Mirror