American Primeval Star Discusses Foot Injury from a “Messy” Stunt in Episode 2

The recently launched Netflix miniseries American Primeval, directed by Pete Berg and created by Mark L. Smith, showcases the gritty atmosphere of early North American wilderness through its six-episode limited series. Taylor Kitsch, who plays the lead character Isaac, suffered a foot injury during the filming of Episode 2, emphasizing the hazards actors face during intense stunts.

In a candid conversation with Decider, Kitsch shared that the injury occurred specifically during a scene set at a skinning camp. This pivotal moment features Isaac protecting Sara Rowell (played by Betty Gilpin) and her son Devin (Preston Mota) from a band of poorly managed bear trappers. Kitsch remarked:

“‘I broke my foot in this and I think that was in episode 2 at the skinning camp.”

Further elaborating on the incident in an interview with People, Kitsch explained how the injury occurred when another stunt performer landed directly on his foot. Remarkably, he continued filming despite the injury, only to be informed later that urgent surgery was required—an operation that led to a challenging six-week recovery period during which he could not walk:

“They cut a bone out of my foot, and I was on a couch for six weeks and couldn’t walk. Then I was in a boot for another six weeks. Obviously, you have to cut all these nerves out, and that made my foot colder a lot quicker, so we were kind of battling that for a while.”

“I lost a bunch of weight because when you meet Isaac, he’s got not a whole lot of purpose left after losing his family, so he’s kind of just existing. So that was just in prep. And then, we did a lot on horseback. I’m not a great horseman, so we had a cowboy camp for around three weeks before we started, and I live in Montana now, so I got a little bit ahead of the curve and had a buddy that has a few horses on his ranch, so started there. That’s way more physical than you think it’s going to be too.”

Impact on American Primeval’s Production

Kitsch’s Injury Highlights Stuntwork Realities

Kitsch’s injury exemplifies the rigorous demands actors endure while performing high-octane stunts. The scene where he sustained the injury plays a crucial role in developing Isaac’s character and showcases the high stakes of survival within the miniseries’ violent landscape. His willingness to push through injury underscores a strong commitment to his portrayal of Isaac.

This commitment to authenticity is reflected in the show’s broader approach, which prioritizes realism through practical effects and choreographed sequences. Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the American Northwest, American Primeval immerses its audience in a harsh yet captivating environment, where injuries like Kitsch’s are a reminder of the challenges faced by the production team in their quest for authenticity.

From Netflix’s perspective, Kitsch’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with high-intensity productions. Injuries of this nature are not uncommon within the industry; notable examples include Tom Cruise’s ankle injury while filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Harrison Ford’s leg injury during Star Wars: The Force Awakens. While such events can lead to significant production delays, Kitsch’s prompt recovery and dedication minimized any disruptions.

Insights on Kitsch’s On-Set Injury

Kitsch’s Injury Reflects Dedication to American Primeval

Kitsch’s resolve to continue working despite his severe injury speaks volumes about the effort that goes into creating American Primeval. This level of dedication mirrors the commitment shared by the entire cast and crew in their portrayal of the grueling realities of early American life. Given Kitsch’s experience, audiences can anticipate that the show will not shy away from depicting the harsh and unforgiving nature of frontier life.

For more on this story, check out People and Decider.

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