Kate Beckinsale Sues Canary Black Producers | Film News
Kate Beckinsale sues teh producers of “Canary Black,” alleging unsafe on-set conditions led to “severe and debilitating injuries.” The actress claims she endured grueling 15-hour workdays in Croatia, lacked necessary workout equipment, and faced pressure to perform unsafe action sequences. The lawsuit also highlights the hiring of an unqualified stunt performer after another injury impacted filming. News Directory 3 reports on Beckinsale’s agent’s criticism of the production’s lack of planning. Plus, producer John Zois admitted the schedule was unsustainable. Explore the legal proceedings to uncover the full details of the case and its potential implications for on-set safety standards within the film industry. Discover what’s next.
Kate Beckinsale Sues ‘Canary Black’ Producers Over On-Set Injuries
Updated June 12, 2025
Actress Kate Beckinsale is taking legal action against the producers of the 2024 action thriller, “Canary Black,” citing “severe and debilitating injuries” allegedly sustained due to unsafe working conditions during filming. The lawsuit, initially filed anonymously, has now been refiled under her full name, Kathrin Beckinsale.
The complaint details grueling 15-hour workdays in Croatia, where filming commenced in September 2022. Beckinsale claims that requested workout equipment and trainers, vital for maintaining her physical condition for the demanding role, were not provided. Consequently, she suffered a complex meniscus tear in her left knee during a scene where she was thrown against a wall. The injury was further aggravated, she alleges, when she was pressured into performing unsafe action sequences upon her return to the set.
Adding to the concerns, Beckinsale’s lawsuit states that after her stunt performer broke her ankle, the producers opted to hire the stunt coordinator’s girlfriend, described as an unqualified stunt woman, rather of a qualified replacement. The suit highlights the actress’s concerns about her role and safety on set.
Communications included in the legal documents reveal Beckinsale’s agent, Shani Rosenzweig, expressing strong criticism of the inadequate readiness and training for the film’s action sequences. Rosenzweig questioned the producers’ plan to address the situation,emphasizing the need for adequate rest and preparation for Beckinsale.She wrote, “No one is actually taking real action to put a plan in place to fix this situation…”
John Zois, one of the film’s producers, responded to Rosenzweig’s concerns, acknowledging the unsustainable pace and packed schedule. “I don’t know what else to say other than you’re right … The days are too packed for the pace we are moving and it’s CLEARLY not enduring,” Zois said.
What’s next
Zois and Anton, the film’s sales representatives, have been contacted for comment regarding the lawsuit. The legal proceedings are expected to shed further light on the alleged unsafe conditions and the responsibilities of film producers in ensuring the safety and well-being of their cast and crew. The outcome could significantly impact industry standards regarding on-set safety and working hours for actors in physically demanding roles.
