Leonardo DiCaprio on-set injury made headlines in 2012 during the filming of Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained,” highlighting the risks actors face even on controlled movie sets. The incident occurred during a tense dinner scene, where DiCaprio accidentally shattered a glass, cutting his hand but continued filming, demonstrating his intense dedication to his craft.
Actors Facing Physical Harm for Their Roles Over the Years
While actor safety is always a priority on film productions, unexpected accidents still happen, sometimes resulting in severe injuries. Many well-known Hollywood performers have endured physical harm as they pushed their limits to deliver powerful performances. These injuries underline the hazards involved in filming demanding scenes, whether during stunts, prolonged method acting, or intense physical roles.
Extreme Commitment Leads to Injury in ‘Cast Away’
In 2000, Tom Hanks fully committed to his role as Chuck Noland in “Cast Away” by living in near isolation on an island for months. This method acting contributed to his realistic portrayal but came at a cost when he developed a staph infection from a leg wound sustained during filming, reflecting the physical toll such immersive preparation can take on actors.
On-Set Accident Leaves Viggo Mortensen Injured in Middle-earth
During the production of
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”
in 2002, Viggo Mortensen, portraying Aragorn, suffered a painful injury that demonstrated his dedication to realism. While kicking an Orc helmet to express grief over the loss of Merry and Pippin, he broke two toes. The raw pain heard in the scene was genuine, and director Peter Jackson chose to keep the take in the final cut due to its emotional authenticity.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bloodied Scene in ‘Django Unchained’
Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-set injury occurred during a pivotal dinner sequence in “Django Unchained.” He slammed his hand onto a genuine glass goblet, which shattered and caused deep cuts on his palm. Despite the pain and bleeding, DiCaprio remained fully in character, applying his own blood to co-star Kerry Washington’s face, an act that Quentin Tarantino admired intensely, incorporating the take in the released film.
Life-Threatening Stunt Mishap for Isla Fisher
Isla Fisher experienced a terrifying ordeal while filming “Now You See Me” in 2013, trapped underwater in a chained, water-filled cube. Due to tangled chains, she was unable to reach the panic button or signal a nearby diver. The crew mistakenly assumed her desperate signals were skilled acting mimicking Meryl Streep, but in truth, Fisher was struggling to stay alive within the tank.
Physical Sacrifice of Margot Robbie in ‘I, Tonya’
Margot Robbie underwent intense physical training to authentically portray figure skater Tonya Harding in 2017, practicing five hours daily for five days a week. The grueling regimen resulted in numerous bruises, blisters, and notably a herniated disc in her neck.
My arms started going numb for a month, but it was the disc getting irritated. And then I properly herniated it, and I was very aware when that happened. It’s really painful,
Robbie disclosed. Despite the debilitating injury, her performance garnered an Oscar nomination.
Tom Cruise’s Daring Stunt Ends in Injury
Known for performing his own stunts, Tom Cruise nearly suffered a severe injury during a rooftop chase in London for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018). Jumping between buildings, Cruise miscalculated and slammed his foot and ankle against the concrete below. Despite the real pain, he completed the scene while limping, showcasing his extraordinary commitment and unwillingness to halt filming.
Dangerous Accident Involving Dylan O’Brien on ‘Maze Runner: The Death Cure’
Dylan O’Brien endured a serious accident in 2018 while shooting a stunt for “Maze Runner: The Death Cure.” He fell from a moving vehicle and was subsequently struck by another car, suffering a concussion and multiple facial lacerations. This traumatic event caused lasting effects that impacted his capacity to perform in future physically demanding roles.
Zac Efron’s Illness During ‘Killing Zac Efron’ Survival Series
While filming his survival series “Killing Zac Efron” in Papua New Guinea in 2019, Zac Efron contracted a severe illness believed to be typhoid fever, requiring urgent medical evacuation to Australia. His experience brought to light the unpredictable dangers actors can face even beyond scripted productions, as exposure to harsh environments puts their health at risk.
Barry Keoghan’s Battle with a Life-Threatening Infection
Barry Keoghan faced a critical health challenge prior to filming “Banshees of Inisherin” in 2022 when he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection with about a 20% fatality rate. Director Martin McDonagh recounted,
I’m not sure if he was on a lot of meds, but he seemed to shrug it off.
Despite the severity, Keoghan endured, leaving scar tissue along his arm resembling a snake-like pattern.
Tom Holland’s Recent Concussion on ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
In September 2025, Tom Holland sustained a mild concussion during a stunt for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Production was paused for a week to allow Holland to recuperate in the hospital. The injury did not threaten the film’s scheduled release date of July 31, 2026, and Holland is expected to safely return to filming after recovery.
The High Price of Authenticity in Hollywood Filmmaking
From DiCaprio’s bleeding palm to Fisher’s near-drowning and Keoghan’s life-threatening infection, these incidents reveal the extreme physical risks actors accept to achieve authenticity on screen. Such injuries emphasize the demanding and sometimes perilous nature of filmmaking, where unforeseen events can have significant consequences. As productions continue to evolve their safety measures, these cases remain a stark reminder of the challenges faced in bringing stories to life.
