Dylan O’Brien is looking back on a pivotal moment in his career: a near-fatal accident that occurred while filming Maze Runner: The Death Cure in 2016. In a recent interview with Men’s Health, the 33-year-old actor opened up about the incident, describing it as a “life-changing” experience that taught him valuable lessons about self-advocacy in the entertainment industry.
During the interview, O’Brien shared that on the day of the accident, his concerns were not taken seriously by the crew. “It’s taught me that, at the end of the day, in these spaces, you have your own back, and that’s the most you can rely on,” he said. His words reflect a newfound understanding of the importance of standing up for oneself, especially in high-pressure environments like film sets.
The accident occurred while O’Brien was performing a stunt that involved being thrown from one vehicle and colliding with another. This harrowing experience left him with a concussion and a facial fracture, among other injuries. Filming for The Death Cure was halted in late April 2016, and it wasn’t until the following year that production resumed. The film eventually premiered in January 2018.
O’Brien expressed regret that he had to endure such a traumatic experience to learn how to protect himself. “I know I was trying to protect myself that day, and so I’ve just never forgotten that,” he stated, emphasizing the lasting impact of the incident on his perspective.
In the aftermath of the accident, O’Brien adopted a different approach to his work. “I’ve approached everything differently,” he noted, particularly when it comes to asserting himself on set. He explained that the culture in Hollywood often pressures young actors to remain compliant, discouraging them from voicing concerns for fear of being labeled “difficult” or “a pain in the ass.”
“It’s very commonplace in the culture for young actors to be controlled,” O’Brien said, highlighting a systemic issue within the industry. He clarified that he learned not to conflate self-care with being difficult. “I can look at that day and know I was a 24-year-old kid who was raising concerns about how we were approaching things, and they were not listened to,” he reflected. “Then what happened happened.”
Despite the physical and emotional scars left by the accident, O’Brien has been able to build what he describes as “armor” for himself. “It’s a shame that it had to be that for me,” he remarked, underscoring the challenges many actors face in prioritizing their well-being in a demanding industry.
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He stressed that advocating for oneself is not only acceptable but necessary. “There’s nothing wrong with telling people, ‘No, man, I’m going to look after myself, I’m going to take care of myself,’” he said. His emphasis on self-advocacy is a vital message for anyone navigating similar challenges, especially young performers entering the industry.
O’Brien further encouraged open dialogue among colleagues. “There’s nothing wrong with asking questions. There’s nothing wrong with bringing ideas, even if we’re talking creatively. It’s our job to bring ideas. There’s nothing wrong with raising concerns,” he stated. This collaborative spirit is essential in the film industry, where creativity thrives on input from various voices.
In reflecting on his experiences, O’Brien acknowledged the dual nature of acting: while it is a collaborative and creative process, it can also involve dangerous situations. “We deal with big, dangerous stuff sometimes, too,” he added, highlighting the need for safety measures on set.