HBO Faces Scrutiny Over Game of Thrones Stunt Accidents as Safety Concerns Resurface
Network and Stunt Coordinator Defend Standards After Video of 2014 Injury Surfaces
HBO has come under renewed criticism following the emergence of a video showing a serious Game of Thrones stunt accident from 2014, reigniting questions about on-set safety and the conduct of veteran stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam. The incident, involving stunt performer Andy Pilgrim, took place during the filming of Season 5’s “Hardhome” episode and resulted in a fractured ankle.
Details of the Stunt Gone Wrong
The newly surfaced footage, shared by Deadline via a screenshot to protect the source’s identity, shows Pilgrim performing a dangerous stunt that was altered after rehearsal.
- Originally, the 16-foot wall Pilgrim rode was supposed to be lowered safely by a crane, but this procedure was changed before the actual shoot, exposing Pilgrim to greater risk.
- Legal documents reveal Pilgrim’s claim that this change led directly to his injury, with the video reportedly supporting his account.
HBO and Stunt Coordinator Respond
Rowley Irlam, responsible for the design and execution of the sequence, has defended his record.
- Irlam, who remains with HBO and now coordinates stunts for the House of the Dragon series, emphasized his over 20 years of experience and his commitment to safety.
- “We put great care into designing stunt sequences with safety as the top priority,” Irlam stated, highlighting that Pilgrim continued to work with his team for two seasons following the accident.
- HBO echoed this stance, describing Irlam as a “celebrated and respected stunt coordinator” and affirming confidence in his dedication to safety.
Pattern of Injuries Raises Questions
The 2014 incident is not the only high-profile injury linked to Irlam’s tenure.
- In 2018, stunt performer Casey Michaels suffered a career-ending ankle injury during Season 8, after falling from a 12-foot ledge onto cardboard boxes during a stunt, which she alleges was also altered from the original plan.
- Both Pilgrim and Michaels later reached out-of-court settlements with Fire & Blood Productions, the Game of Thrones production company, for $686,000 and $9.3 million, respectively.
- Michaels’ settlement marked a significant increase over her initial claim, reflecting the seriousness of her injuries.
Ongoing Debate Over Safety and Accountability
These revelations have sparked further discussion about the risks faced by stunt performers and the responsibilities of coordinators and studios in protecting their teams.
- While HBO asserts high safety standards, the recurrence of severe injuries and changes to rehearsed stunts have fueled concerns within the industry and among fans.
- The network maintains, “We take these matters very seriously,” underscoring its confidence in Irlam’s professional standards.
House of the Dragon Continues Production
Despite controversy, Rowley Irlam remains actively involved with HBO, currently coordinating stunts for House of the Dragon Season 3, which is now in production with a returning and expanding cast.
- The series’ high-intensity action and complex stunt work keep safety protocols under ongoing scrutiny as production moves forward.
As the Game of Thrones franchise expands, the industry continues to reckon with the balance between spectacle and safety, hoping to avoid further incidents in future productions.
