Jason Statham faced a life-threatening stunt accident while filming The Expendables 3 in 2014, narrowly escaping death when a truck he was driving plunged into the Black Sea. Known for performing his own stunts, Statham’s quick thinking and unique skills were crucial in preventing tragedy during the high-risk scene.
Details of the Dangerous Stunt on The Expendables 3
The Expendables 3 featured a remarkable cast including Sylvester Stallone, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Terry Crews, Mel Gibson, Harrison Ford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and grossed $214 million worldwide. Despite mixed critical reception, it remained a popular action film. During filming, Statham was tasked with driving a three-ton truck at high speed, then stopping it just before it plunged into the sea. Although the stunt seemed routine considering Statham’s background in competitive racing, the brakes on the truck unexpectedly failed.
Without functional brakes, the vehicle fell 60 feet into the Black Sea with Statham still behind the wheel. Faced with the sinking truck and the risk of drowning, Statham had to act swiftly to survive under extreme pressure.
How Jason Statham Managed to Escape the Sinking Truck
Escaping a submerged vehicle is a challenge for any person, especially while trapped inside a heavy truck, but Statham’s unique abilities played a vital role in his survival. Sylvester Stallone revealed during the film’s premiere that the truck had its doors removed, which was a critical safety measure. Stallone explained:
“Luckily we had taken the doors off before. If anyone else had been in that truck we would have been dead because we were all wearing heavy boots and gun belts. We would have drowned. But because Jason is an Olympic-quality diver he got out of it.”
—Sylvester Stallone, Actor and Producer
Terry Crews shared his experience of the accident on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, describing the unexpected turn of events. He mentioned that he and others were not on the truck at the time of the stunt but relaxing nearby. Crews said:
“There was a big accident on the set of Expendables 3 where Statham got in a truck and the brakes went out, and he went off the dock into the Black Sea,”
and added,
“All of a sudden, bubbles come up. He got himself out of the truck underneath the water. I’m like, this dude’s going to the hospital, he’s done.”
—Terry Crews, Actor
Despite the terrifying circumstances, Statham emerged without injuries requiring medical treatment. Crews joked about the incident, saying afterwards:
“I had to re-evaluate my tough card after that,”
“Let me tell you something, Jason Statham is a true bad, bad dude.”
—Terry Crews, Actor
Jason Statham’s Response to the Incident
Known for his composed and fearless attitude, Statham downplayed the seriousness of the accident when speaking with reporters. He joked that the worst injury he sustained during the production was far less dramatic, noting:
“snapped a shoelace in the very first scene.”
—Jason Statham, Actor
The stunt accident exemplifies the risks action stars like Statham take during filming, but his readiness and expertise ultimately ensured his survival. The Expendables 3 is now available for streaming on Peacock, allowing audiences to revisit the film that nearly claimed one of its leading men.
