Deadpool 2 Production To Resume On Wednesday

Production on Deadpool 2 is set to begin again on Wednesday, about 48 hours after stunt person Joi “SJ” Harris died in a motorcycle accident while filming a stunt for the film in Vancouver.

According to Deadline, Harris was a relatively late addition to the film’s production. She began working on the film just last week as a replacement for Zazie Beetz’s previous Domino stunt double.

Harris was the first African-American female pro road racer. Deadpool 2 was her first film as a stunt person, and the accident took place on August 14th. Harris lost control of her motorcycle and the vehicle crashed along West Waterfront Road near Jack Poole Plaza.

Harris had performed the stunt successfully several times in rehearsal. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Beetz’ previous stunt double did have a helmet made that would fit under her Domino wig, but Harris’ mid-production hiring meant that there wasn’t time to have her own helmet made, according to Deadline.

Production on Deadpool 2 stopped immediately after the fatal accident took place on Monday.

The British Colombia Coroner stated, “a coroner attended the scene and an investigation is underway with The Vancouver Police Department and WorkSafeBC which is also investigating this incident.”

20th Century Fox released a statement on the same day as the accident. The statement reads, “We are deeply saddened by the accident that occurred on the set of Deadpool 2 this morning. Our hearts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of our crew member during this difficult time.”

Deadpool 2 star Ryan Reynolds also released a statement, saying, “Today, we tragically lost a member of our crew while filming Deadpool. We’re heartbroken, shocked and devastated…but recognize that nothing can come close to the grief and inexplicable pain her family and loved ones must feel in this moment. My heart pours out to them — along with each and every person she touched in this world.”

Deadpool 2 is scheduled to open in theaters on June 1, 2018.