Warner Bros. and The CW network are facing legal issues due to their alleged mishandling of adverse weather conditions on the set.
A crew member from The Winchesters, the prequel series to the popular dark-fantasy series Supernatural, has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. alleging negligence in set safety during a heavy rainstorm. First assistant camera operator Bryan DeLorenzo claims that he was struck by lightning because filming had been instructed to continue despite the dangerous weather conditions.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the show’s last year’s shoot in Louisiana faced delays due to heavy rain. However, director John Showalter reportedly made the decision to proceed with filming in the rain, despite concerns raised by DeLorenzo regarding safety protocols. The complaint states, “Within ten minutes of this conversation, Plaintiff was standing next to a camera when a loud ‘boom’ occurred.” DeLorenzo recounts seeing a ‘bright white light’ as the lightning struck him, and knocked him unconscious, before he was subsequently rushed to the emergency room.
The lawsuit points claims that the producers violated safety rules that dictate an immediate shutdown if a lightning strikes within a 6-mile radius of the production set. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of the cast and crew. DeLorenzo claims that even though he had already communicated with Warner Bros.’ production coordinator and safety officers about these protocols for filming in those weather conditions, they nevertheless told him to purchase lightning detection products and weather apps, which the lawsuit implies were insufficient in ensuring safety.
Jensen Ackles Is Among the Defendants
DeLorenzo is seeking compensation for physical injuries, pain, emotional distress, and other related issues. Notably, the lawsuit names Warner Bros., The CW Network, and executive producer Jensen Ackles, who also guest starred in the series, reprising the role of Dean Winchester from the fan-favorite series Supernatural. However, none of them have yet responded on the matter publicly.
The ongoing lawsuit adds to the list of troubles The Winchesters already faces, including the series’ cancelation at The CW, despite the makers wanting to span the universe for reportedly four more seasons. Ackles even started a social media campaign, #SaveTheWinchesters, as the makers tried to hunt for a new network. However, all their efforts reportedly been failed following the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in Hollywood.
The Winchesters Season 1 is now available to stream on Max.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter