Revisiting Jason Statham’s Near-Death Dive on ‘The Expendables 3’ Set
Oh, how time flies! Almost a decade ago, fans around the world held their breath, not for a dramatic scene in “The Expendables 3”, but for an off-camera incident that could’ve ended tragically. That’s right, we’re talking about Jason Statham’s unforgettable near-death experience.
The Stunt That Went Wrong
It was a heart-stopping moment when Jason Statham found himself facing the very real threat of death. While test-driving a three-ton truck, a mishap with the brakes sent the actor and the vehicle plunging 60ft deep into the Black Sea. It sounds like something right out of a movie, but this was all too real.
Sylvester Stallone Recounts the Tale
According to the ever-green action icon, Sylvester Stallone, “He faced death. It went down 60ft into the Black Sea and became impaled.” The fate of Statham was grim, especially considering the heavy boots and gun belts worn by the actors. For most, it would’ve been a fatal situation. However, Statham’s past as an Olympic-quality diver came to his rescue. Stallone marveled, “Because Jason is an Olympic-quality diver, he got out of it.”
Now, for the uninitiated, before Jason Statham became the rugged, charmingly gritty star of movies like “Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”, he was representing England as a diver at the Auckland Commonwealth Games back in 1990. Who knew that these skills would be his saving grace on a film set?
While Statham had a miraculous escape, co-star Sylvester Stallone had his share of misfortunes, leading to a metal plate in his back after a nasty fall.
The Tale’s Morale?
Aside from never underestimating the importance of backup skills, this incident is a chilling reminder of the real dangers actors often face, even in our world of advanced technology and safety measures.
So, as we sit back today, indulging in some nostalgic cinematic re-runs, let’s raise our glasses to the death-defying stunts, real-life heroes like Jason Statham, and their unforgettable stories of survival against all odds.
