Kate Beckinsale Takes Legal Action Against Producers of "Canary Black" Over Unsafe Working Conditions
In a significant legal development, Kate Beckinsale has filed a lawsuit against the producers of her latest film, "Canary Black," citing “unsafe conditions” during her time on set. The British actress, renowned for her iconic role in the 2001 film "Pearl Harbor," alleges that she endured grueling 15-hour workdays without adequate support, ultimately leading to a serious knee injury.
According to a report by The Guardian, Beckinsale’s lawsuit, which was initially filed anonymously in June 2024 and later refiled under her name, claims she experienced “severe and debilitating injuries” due to the hazardous environment on set.
Key points from the lawsuit include:
- Beckinsale suffered a meniscus tear in her left knee after being thrown against a wall during a scene.
- She claims to have been “coerced” into performing dangerous action sequences shortly after returning to work.
- The actress’s stunt performer broke her ankle, and instead of hiring a qualified replacement, the producers allegedly opted for an untrained stunt woman who was merely the girlfriend of the stunt coordinator.
- The lawsuit also states that the workout equipment requested by Beckinsale to maintain her physical fitness for the role was not provided.
In "Canary Black," which premiered in October 2024, Beckinsale portrays a CIA agent forced into dangerous missions in exchange for the life of her kidnapped husband. The film also features performances by Rupert Friend, Saffron Burrows, and Ray Stevenson.
Kate Beckinsale, the daughter of the late British TV comedy star Richard Beckinsale, has made a name for herself in Hollywood since her breakthrough role in Kenneth Branagh’s "Much Ado About Nothing" (1993). Over the years, she has starred in several successful films, including "Total Recall" (2012), "Van Helsing" (2004), and the popular "Underworld" series (2003-2016).
As the legal proceedings unfold, The Guardian has reached out to Zois and the film’s sales representatives at Anton for further comments regarding the lawsuit. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.