The Scary Incident That Nearly Killed Will Ferrell On Set

Producer and screenwriter Adam McKay — who worked on films such as "The Other Guys" and "Ant-Man" (per IMDb) — spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about working with Will Ferrell and recalled a scary on-set incident that almost took the actor's life.

In light of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins' death, McKay was asked about how he approaches safety protocols on set. Referencing 2013's "Anchorman 2," he discussed how an on-screen suicide for Ferrell's character almost turned fatal after a mechanism malfunctioned. "We're always really careful," McKay said, adding that, "We had like a near accident ... involving Will, and it was really scary." He revealed, "It was a scene where [Ferrell's character] Ron Burgundy was going to hang himself," calling the scene "a silly joke." "For a half a second, the rig didn't operate properly and there was actual tension on the rope, but then it gave way and Will was okay."

"Thank God no one was hurt. We were sick about it for two days," McKay continued, noting the staff called a meeting shortly after. He also revealed a terrifying scene in the original "Anchorman" involving a bear, where "the bear did a hint of a bluff charge for a second." Since then, McKay said, "I will never put a live animal in a shot with an actor ever again," adding that now, "every time I do it, it's a composite shot because it's not worth it."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7XCpKCsr5mbwW%2BvzqZmcGhjbIF2e9OhnGark5a%2FunnIp5qinJWjwW7Ax5qrZqaVlr%2BtxYykoKWklZl6uLXLpWSfnaKnsq24jKilZquVqXw%3D