Production on “Deadpool 2” has restarted following the death of pioneering Black road racer Joi “SJ” Harris just 48 hours earlier.
Harris died in Vancouver Monday, Aug. 14, after a failed stunt that she had performed successfully several times before, according to Deadline. Harris was ushered onto the set on short notice Wednesday, Aug. 9, and was not outfitted with a helmet to wear underneath her wig as Zazie Beetz’s character, Domino; the previous stunt double had been, however. Witnesses told Canada’s CTV the stunt woman appeared to lose control of her bike, which crashed through a window pane across the street after driving off the set.
Harris’ identity was confirmed by her family to TMZ Monday, Aug. 14. The sequel to the ultra-successful sci-fi action film was the woman’s first movie gig.
After nabbing her Class M license eight years ago, 2014 saw Harris become the first Black woman to participate in an event sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association, according to her blog.
It was on that website’s FAQ page, which was last updated in July, that she acknowledged the trials of the sport.
“In short when it comes to crashing,” she wrote, “I’ve learned to accept that I am not the greatest rider that exists and that there is always something to learn when on track and pushing limits. Sometimes I’m going to eat it if I’m impatient. Everything takes time. Face your fears you never know what you can [be] missing out on.”
Since the news of her death broke, “Deadpool 2” director David Leitch and a representative for movie distributor 20th Century Fox have issued statements.
“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of one of our stunt performers today,” Leitch said in a statement issued to the Los Angeles Times. “No words can express how I and the rest of the ‘Deadpool 2’ crew feel about this tragedy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones in this difficult time.”
“We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of ‘Deadpool 2’ this morning,” a 20th Century Fox rep told the paper. “Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time.”
Ryan Reynolds, who portrays the film’s titular character, also offered his condolences.
