HBO slammed over GoT stunt mishap leak

HBO has addressed safety concerns regarding its Game of Thrones productions following newly surfaced footage of a 2014 stunt accident during Season 5 filming - years before another high-profile injury occurred.

Exclusive footage obtained by Deadline (though not publicly released to protect sources) shows stunt performer Andy Pilgrim sustaining an ankle fracture during the "Hardhome" episode shoot. According to 2019 legal documents, Pilgrim claims the injury occurred when performing an altered stunt involving a 16-foot wooden wall collapse. The production reportedly modified safety protocols after initial crane-assisted rehearsals.

Rowley Irlam, the stunt coordinator involved who currently works on House of the Dragon, defended his safety record in an HBO statement: "With over 20 years' experience coordinating hundreds of complex stunts, safety remains my absolute priority. While regrettable accidents do occur, this incident was resolved between all parties eleven years ago."

HBO reiterated their confidence in Irlam, calling him "a celebrated coordinator who maintains our rigorous safety standards." Pilgrim later settled with producers for £500,000 in 2018 - the same year another performer, Casey Michaels, suffered career-ending injuries during Season 8.

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Michaels' 2023 settlement reached £7 million after alleging similar safety protocol changes for her 12-foot fall stunt. Both incidents involved Irlam's coordination, though no fault was officially determined in either case.

The network maintains its commitment to performer safety while continuing production on the Game of Thrones franchise, including the upcoming third season of House of the Dragon.