British health authorities announced Thursday they have issued criminal charges against the producers of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" over an on-set accident in which Harrison Ford broke his leg.
The actor was struck by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon – his character Han Solo's spaceship – at Pinewood Studios near London in June 2014. He was airlifted to a hospital where he underwent surgery.
Production on the film was suspended for two weeks after the injury to Ford, who was 71 at the time.
The Health and Safety Executive said Thursday it had charged Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. – a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co. – with four breaches of workplace health and safety laws.
It said "by law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers – this is as true on a film set as a factory floor."
Foodles Production said the safety of cast and crew was "a top priority" and it was disappointed by the decision to prosecute.
The first court hearing is scheduled for May at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court, near the studio.
"The Force Awakens" is the seventh instalment in the space saga and has taken more than $2 billion at the worldwide box office since its release two months ago.
Filming is underway on episode eight, directed by Rian Johnson and due for release late next year.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More