Deadpool 2's Zazie Beetz Talks About Tragic Stunt Performer Death

Zazie Beetz

Major film sets can be a dangerous place. We've seen a bevy of recent injuries and fatalities occur over the past few months, proving how seriously stunt work and action sequences should be taken in these projects. Deadpool 2 had an onset tragedy occur in its very early stages of filming, and the controversy hasn't stopped surrounding the highly anticipated sequel. The incident saw stunt performer Joi Harris, who was performing for Zazie Beetz's Domino, tragically die due to a motorcycle accident. That loss has no doubt been felt onset as the film went back into production, and now Beetz has revealed how it affected the work saying:

It really rocked our boat, and still is. It changed a lot in our production, changed a lot in the film. That week, we shut down production for a few days and then we came together and it actually really did bring the cast sort of to this same place and we had a memorial for her. Yeah, it was very sad. It was a very strange time and still is -- like, it's still the same with us, and for the stunt community, too, there I dunno I just want to say like, we're really proud of our stunt team and they're a fantastic team. I just really want people to know that wasn't supposed to happen. And we're a really good team.

It certainly seems like the loss of Joi Harris is still very much being felt on the set of Deadpool 2, which is appropriate. The cast and crew is not taking the tragedy lightly, which should allow Harris to be honored properly, and the team to process their emotional response as well.

Details abut Deadpool 2's tragic accident have been slowly trickling out in the weeks since Joi Harris' death. While Harris was not an especially experienced stunt performer, she was reportedly an expert motorcyclist who was fit for the job. But it seems her lack of time on the set may have been a factor in her accident. While Harris was immediately hospitalized, she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Ryan Reynolds and Zazie Beetz have each released statements on the tragedy, which seems to have rocked the world the environment of Deadpool 2.

Zazie Beetz seems particularly concerned for Joi Harris' family, and wanting to ensure that her stunt double will be properly honored when Deadpool 2 arrives in theaters. In recent same interview with ET, she said:

I'm proud of our crew and I pray for Joi's family. You know, she was a Domino, so I feel kind-of connected to her.

That's certainly touching. Joi Harris will hopefully have a tribute in the film itself, although that hasn't been confirmed by anyone at the studio.

Deadpool 2 will arrive in theaters June 1, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.