Dylan O’Brien reflected on an accident that occurred while filming “The Maze Runner: The Death Cure” in 2016. In a recent interview, the actor explained how the incident impacted his approach to work. While shooting a stunt scene, O’Brien was pulled off the top of a moving vehicle and struck by another. He suffered a concussion and other injuries.
“It was life-changing,” stated O’Brien. The experience altered how he handles his career. Previously, he would comply with requests from directors without question. Now at age 33, he stands up for safety on set.
As a 24-year-old, O’Brien raised concerns about the stunt. However, producers dismissed these worries. During the shoot, the feared accident took place that halted production. O’Brien underwent a long recovery process.
The actor said it’s common for young performers to avoid being seen as “difficult.” They strive not to complain so others view them positively. However, the crash taught O’Brien that protecting one’s well-being is different than causing trouble.
O’Brien advocates for actors putting safety first without fear of backlash. In subsequent work, he feels empowered to address safety issues. His account sheds light on ensuring protection for everyone involved in filmmaking. Especially for youth, sometimes producers pressure people to disregard risks.
In 2017, O’Brien said his role in “American Assassin” helped his recovery. Getting back to work playing that character assisted his healing from the traumatic experience. As he continues reflecting on his career-changing moment, O’Brien wants to remind the industry of its duty to keep all employees safe from harm.
