‘Deadpool 2’ Stunt Woman Dies

Ryan Reynolds has described himself and the rest of the cast and crew on upcoming Fox/Marvel movie Deadpool 2 as being “heartbroken” over the unfortunate death of a stunt driver who was killed in an on-set motorcycle accident.

Joi "SJ" Harris Deadpool 2 Death
Joi “SJ” Harris

The driver, who has been identified as Joi “SJ” Harris by a spokesperson for ACTRA (The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), crashed through a plate-glass window at Shaw Tower in Vancouver without a helmet, according to eye witnesses.

Deadpool 2 was Ms. Harris’ first film as a stunt woman after making a name for herself as the first black American female road racer, and though the stunt had been successfully rehearsed on at least five separate occasions over the previous few days, the driver’s Monday (14th August) run-through proved fatal.

The production of the Deadpool sequel was halted immediately with no time frame as to when production will restart. Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds released the following statement via Twitter:

Director David Leitch released the following statement to Deadline:

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today. No words can express how I and the rest of the Deadpool 2 crew feel about this tragedy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time.”

Deadpool studio 20th Century Fox released the following:

“We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of Deadpool 2 this morning. Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time.”

Each of us here at The Film Magazine echo these sentiments. Stunt work has always been and remains one of the most dangerous aspects of filmmaking, and this is a sour reminder of that fact. Our thoughts are with each of SJ Harris’ loved ones.

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