Behind the Scenes: Cary Elwes’ Unexpected Injury on 'The Princess Bride Set'

Behind the Scenes: Cary Elwes’ Unexpected Injury on 'The Princess Bride Set'
Image credit: The Princess bride still

The perils of acting.

Acting can be a surprisingly hazardous profession, as numerous performers have endured serious injuries while filming. One notable example occurred during the production of the beloved fantasy adventure The Princess Bride, when Cary Elwes found himself hospitalised.

In a memorable scene, the villainous Count Rugen, played by Christopher Guest, strikes the hero Westley (Elwes) unconscious with the hilt of his sword. To enhance the authenticity of his reaction, Elwes requested that Guest tap him lightly on the head for real. However, as Elwes recounts in his memoir, events did not unfold as intended.

“Chris swung the heavy sword down toward my head. However, as fate would have it, it landed just a touch harder than either of us anticipated. And that, folks, was the last thing I remember from that day’s shoot.”

This unexpected moment underscores the physical risks actors sometimes face to bring their characters to life.

Have you seen The Princess Bride?
Send
🧡
😁
👏
🤔
😡
Crush of the day
Pedro Pascal - Crush of the day
Pedro Pascal From: Materialists

Would you pick him over Chris Evans?

or
Hot (44%) Not (56%)