Two cast members of the Netflix show The Chosen One died on Thursday in Baja California Sur, Mexico, in a van crash that also injured six other cast and crew members, the streaming service said.
The accident happened while in transit from Santa Rosalía to the local airport. The accident did not occur on set, according to the company, which added that those injured — two cast members and four crew members — were in stable condition, according to the AP.
The company did not elaborate, but the AP reported the cast and crew members were in a van when it crashed.
According to Netflix, the show’s production company, Redrum, has temporarily halted production. Redrum representatives could not be reached on Sunday for comment, reports Deadline.
According to the Netflix description, The Chosen One is about a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the resurrected Jesus Christ, destined to save humanity. The show is based on Mark Millar and Peter Gross’ comic book series. In April, Netflix announced on Twitter that production of this series had begun in Mexico.
This is not to be confused with Netflix’s other series called The Chosen One, a Brazilian thriller drama that began airing in 2019.
The Baja California Sur state government confirmed in a Facebook statement on Friday the names of two actors killed on Thursday: Raymundo Garduo Cruz and Juan Francisco González Aguilar.
The government also expressed condolences to “their family, friends, and the Baja California arts community.”
SAG-AFTRA, a union representing film, television, and radio workers, said in a statement that it had spoken with Netflix and the Asociación Nacional de Actores, which represents actors in Mexico, about the accident.
“We are looking into the circumstances surrounding local production,” SAG-AFTRA stated. “Our top priority on set is always safety.” Furthermore, the union said, “We will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our members and others at work.”
In contrast, reporter Juan Miguel Hernández posted contradictions on Twitter, saying, “The actors have not stopped complaining about how badly they are being treated, specifically in the area of transportation and logistics … old panels with slick tires, tired and over-exploited drivers — actors transported like cattle to save a few pesos.”
