The Little Mermaid Special Effects Artist Sues Producers Over On-Set Injury

An on-set injury from The Little Mermaid's production has led to Disney facing a lawsuit from a special effects employee.

Disney is facing a legal challenge that traces back to an unfortunate incident during the filming of The Little Mermaid.

A special effects artist, Christine Overs, has filed a lawsuit against the film's producers seeking $190,000 in damages caused to her during an on-set injury that she says occurred at Pinewood Studios in October 2020. Overs, who specializes in crafting beach and snow sets, alleges in the suit that she was working on a lagoon scene for the film when she fell from a polystyrene step, resulting in a broken wrist.

Overs has attributed her fall to the production company's alleged failure to provide sufficient access to the set, leading to the severe accident that has disrupted her ability to continue her profession, casting a shadow over her final career years. The incident required surgery and the insertion of steel pins into her arm. Given the nature of her work, fine finger movements are crucial, and the injury has left her struggling to perform even the simplest of activities, including fastening buttons and zipping. Sharing her ordeal at the Central London county court, Overs expressed the substantial disability she now faces. In addition to physical limitations, she continues to suffer from pain, disturbed sleep, and swelling as a result of the accident. Her case highlights the often-unseen challenges and risks that professionals in the film industry endure behind the scenes.

The other production company behind The Little Mermaid, Sandcastle Pictures, has taken responsibility for the accident, but a dispute remains regarding the amount of compensation Overs is seeking. While the producers acknowledge their liability, they are contesting the figure proposed by Overs. Consequently, a legal trial is expected to determine the final compensation. Despite the legal proceedings, Disney has not yet provided any public response to inquiries about the matter.

The Little Mermaid Lawsuit Renews the Discussion of On-Set Safety

Released earlier in the summer, The Little Mermaid received mixed reviews. A live-action remake of the 1989 animated film, it features Halle Bailey, Javier Bardem, and Melissa McCarthy, was earlier this year. This legal entanglement casts a spotlight on the less glamorous aspects of filmmaking, and the importance of ensuring safety measures and appropriate working conditions for all crew members involved.

Christine Overs' four decades-long career includes collaborations with Jim Henson's creature workshop and, contributions to renowned films over the years including Dune, Alien, and Superman IV, highlighting her substantial impact on the entertainment industry. Overs' case serves as a reminder that the pursuit of cinematic magic often involves substantial sacrifices from the creative professionals who make it all possible.

The Little Mermaid will stream on Disney+ from Sept. 6.