Kate Beckinsale has initiated legal action against the producers of her upcoming film “Canary Black,” alleging that she encountered “unsafe” working conditions that compelled her to undertake stunts,
which ultimately led to “debilitating” injuries. The lawsuit, initially filed under anonymity in December and later amended on May 21,
details Beckinsale’s claims regarding the physically demanding nature of her role as a former CIA agent, which she asserts resulted in “significant trauma to her left knee.”
The media outlet Puck was the first to report on this legal matter.
In her suit, Beckinsale is targeting producer John Zois, along with Anton Entertainment Media Services and Canary Black LTD, citing negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and battery as the grounds for her claims.
She is seeking a jury trial to address these allegations. has reached out to representatives for both Beckinsale and Zois for further comments on the situation.
Beckinsale, who participated in the filming of the movie from late 2022 to early 2023, has raised serious concerns regarding the working conditions on set, as outlined in a recent lawsuit.
Despite having previously established agreements and her team alerting the production about what they deemed “unsafe” circumstances—such as excessively long shooting days lasting up to 15 hours, unexpected stunts,
and insufficient medical personnel and equipment—she claims that the production team proceeded “recklessly and intentionally.”
This disregard for safety protocols has prompted Beckinsale and her team to take legal action, highlighting the urgent need for better oversight and adherence to industry standards to protect the well-being of all involved in the filmmaking process.
In an incident that occurred in December 2022, actress Kate Beckinsale was instructed to execute a particularly hazardous stunt alongside a male co-star,
The incident described in the legal documentation involved a male actor being forcefully propelled and violently slammed against a wall.
This action, which raises significant concerns regarding safety protocols on set, was executed despite the actor being outfitted with comprehensive padding designed to mitigate the risk of injury.
The use of such protective gear suggests an awareness of the potential dangers inherent in the scene, yet the forceful nature of the maneuver raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures and the overall responsibility of the production team in ensuring a secure working environment.
The juxtaposition of the actor’s protective equipment against the severity of the action highlights a troubling disconnect between safety precautions and the execution of stunts, warranting further examination into the practices employed during filming.
Beckinsale received only a minimal amount of padding for her stunt, which proved to be insufficient in terms of safety and protection. Despite her vocalized apprehensions about the inherent dangers associated with the stunt,
the lack of adequate cushioning left her vulnerable to potential injuries. This situation highlights the often precarious balance between the demands of action sequences in film and the safety measures that should be in place to protect performers.
The decision to provide such limited padding raises questions about the prioritization of safety in high-risk scenarios, especially when experienced actors like Beckinsale express legitimate concerns regarding their well-being.
During the filming of several takes for the scene, Kate Beckinsale unfortunately suffered a significant injury, resulting in a complex meniscus tear in her left knee. This injury,
as detailed in the lawsuit, highlights the physical risks associated with the demanding nature of film production, where repeated actions and stunts can lead to serious health consequences for actors.
The incident underscores the importance of safety measures on set, as well as the need for proper medical attention and support for performers who may be at risk of injury while executing their roles.t.
