Gladiator 2 crew members were reportedly raced to hospital after a horror explosion while filming.
A big-budget special effects scene is claimed to have gone wrong on the set of the Sir Ridley Scott blockbuster causing a fireball.
Six production staffers, who were involved in the blaze, were reportedly taken to hospital to receive treatment.
Stars Paul Mescal and Denzel are said to have ‘watched on in horror’ as the set went up in flames.
An investigation is now claimed to be underway with a ruptured gas pipe the suspected cause of the horror incident.
A source told The Sun: ‘It was terrifying — a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path.
‘In years of filming I’ve never seen an accident so scary. Six production staff had to be rushed to hospital for treatment. Hopefully everyone will be OK, but it was a serious accident.
‘Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this.’
Filming for the blockbuster kicked off in Morocco this May and, while Russell Crowe will not reprise his role, it’s hoped he will agree to a flashback cameo.
As well as Normal People star Paul and Denzel, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn and Connie Nielsen will star in the sequel.
Paul plays Lucius, the nephew of the emperor Commodus and the secret son of Russell’s character Maximus, who was saved in the original film by his father.
Connie reprises her role as Lucius’ mother Lucilla while Derek Jacobi will also return as a Roman senator and Djimon Hounsou will be back playing a former gladiator and friend of Maximus.
Aside from Russell, Connie, Derek and Djimon, the first movie also starred Joaquin Phoenix and the late Oliver Reed in his final role.
Released in 2000, Sir Ridley’s acclaimed blockbuster made a whopping £460 million at the box office and also won five Academy Awards, including the coveted best picture gong and best actor for Crowe, while also scooping a string of other accolades including Baftas and Golden Globes.
Gladiator starred Russell as a former Roman General who was sent into slavery before seeking revenge against the emperor who murdered his family.
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Sir Ridley and Paramount for comment.
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