British stuntman sues Gladiator II makers for £200,000 after he caught fire in explosion on burning ship

Detailed summary

Edward Sarsfield was playing a dead soldier in the sequel to the Ridley Scott epic, Gladiator, when a gas line on the boat exploded setting him alight.

Published: 16:27 GMT, 7 November 2026 | Updated: 16:31 GMT, 7 November 2026

A British stuntman is suing the makers of Gladiator II for £200,000 after he caught fire in an explosion on a burning ship.

Edward Sarsfield was playing a dead soldier in the sequel to the Sir Ridley Scott epic, Gladiator, when a gas line on the boat exploded setting him alight.

Engulfed in flames, the 47-year-old stuntman 'panicked and ran' as crew members threw bottles of water over him.

He suffered 15 per cent burns on his body including his hands, face and arms causing 'excruciating pain' and permanent scarring, according to the claim.

Six crew members including the stuntman were rushed to hospital while Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington watched on in terror.

Mr Sarsfield is now suing August Street Films who admitted liability for the accident, for £200,000 in damages.

The Liverpudlian was working as an extra on the scene in Morocco where an armada of Roman vessels attack a castle when the accident took place.

He was lying down on the port side of the ship which was 'lit up by gas powered flame bars to simulate it being on fire', according to London High Court documents.

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