A serious accident has occurred during the production of the live-action sequel How To Train Your Dragon 2, with a crew member reportedly losing multiple fingers in a workshop incident. The individual, believed to be a special effects technician, suffered the severe injury while working off-set at Sky Studios Elstree near London.
Severe Injury During Filming
According to reports from Variety, the accident involved a saw and resulted in the technician severing multiple digits on one hand. Despite extensive surgical efforts, medical professionals were unable to reattach the fingers. The incident did not occur on the primary filming set but in a separate workshop facility where technical preparations were underway.
Production Context and Safety Concerns
Filming for How To Train Your Dragon 2 began in February 2026 at the Elstree facility, with the movie scheduled for release in June 2027. This marks the second live-action adaptation of Cressida Cowell's beloved children's book series, following last year's successful first installment.
The accident raises renewed concerns about crew safety in the film and television industry. Just one year prior to this incident, unions Bectu and Pact issued a joint statement highlighting significant safety risks linked to inadequate rest periods, known as "broken turnaround."
Industry-Wide Safety Issues
A survey conducted by the unions revealed alarming statistics: among nearly 500 film and TV crew members surveyed, 90 percent reported that broken turnaround negatively impacted their ability to work safely and effectively. A quarter of respondents described dangerous consequences including driving while fatigued, falling asleep at the wheel, vehicle accidents, and numerous "near-misses."
This latest incident follows the tragic 2021 shooting on the set of Rust that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. While the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin was dismissed in 2024, that event brought widespread attention to on-set safety protocols.
Film Details and Cast
How To Train Your Dragon 2 features Mason Thames reprising his role as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the Viking chief's son who befriends the dragon Toothless. The cast includes returning actors Nico Parker, Gabriel Howell, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Nick Frost, and Gerard Butler. Cate Blanchett joins the production as Valka, a character she previously voiced in the animated film adaptation.
The Independent has reached out to Universal Pictures for comment regarding the accident and the studio's safety protocols. The production company has not yet issued an official statement about the incident or the condition of the injured crew member.
This serious accident underscores the ongoing challenges facing film and television productions regarding crew welfare and workplace safety, particularly in special effects departments where hazardous equipment is routinely used.
