A Hollywood stuntman suffered severe injuries after falling 25 feet while filming on the “Fast and Furious” set, leaving him with a broken skull and brain damage.
Joe Watts, 37, was a successful stunt performer, known for his appearances in notable films like “Star Wars” and “Mission Impossible.” His career took a drastic turn in 2019 when a stunt went awry during filming at Warner Bros. Studios in the UK, resulting in a life-threatening fall.
Watts, who initially fell unconscious after hitting hard concrete, spent five days in a medically induced coma. Afterward, he underwent extensive recovery at major trauma centers, including the Royal London Hospital and Wellington Hospital.
Against the odds, he has been working on his recovery, now able to walk and speak independently. Recently, he delivered a heartfelt speech to his longtime partner, Tilly Powell, at their wedding, signifying a significant milestone in his journey.
Watts aims to raise awareness for trauma support, highlighting how critical it is for others dealing with similar life-altering injuries. “My accident changed everything,” he reflected, stating he lost not only his physical abilities but also relationships and memories. “I was a high-level gymnast and stunt performer, and now, my life is completely different.”
With over 40 film credits to his name, including roles in numerous blockbusters, Watts had built an impressive career. Sadly, the incident changed everything for him. He described how he doesn’t remember the fall itself, only the moments leading up to it. While the first take had gone smoothly, during the second attempt, something malfunctioned, leading to the catastrophic injury.
Investigations indicated multiple safety oversights, including a lack of properly inspected equipment and inadequate crash mats. The production company faced significant fines due to these failures.
“I was fortunate to survive,” Watts noted, sharing the weight of his experience. He recounted feeling completely disconnected from reality upon waking in the hospital. Despite his previous skills as a gymnast, he found himself struggling with balance and basic movement.
Watts expressed a desire to inspire others through his story, emphasizing the importance of open communication about trauma and recovery. He shared the emotional toll of his experiences, including severe depression and feelings of judgment from others during his rehabilitation.
He called his wedding in June 2022 a turning point, surrounded by supportive family and colleagues from the stunt industry. Despite challenges, he expressed gratitude for the journey and the support he received.
FF9 Pictures Limited, the film’s production company, admitted faults in adhering to safety regulations, leading to significant legal consequences. The judge overseeing the case highlighted the severity of Watts’ injuries and the importance of safety in stunt work, emphasizing that such practices should focus on minimizing risks, not just preventing falls.
