Tragedy struck the set of DC Universe’s Titans on Thursday when a crewmember died following an accident that took place during the rehearsal of a car stunt. Warren Appleby, the special effects coordinator, died when a piece broke off of the car when the stunt was being tested. In response to his untimely death, production on Titans shut down for two days.
Warner Bros. TV and DC Universe, which produce Titans, expressed their condolences in a statement on Thursday. “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of our treasured colleague, special effects coordinator Warren Appleby, after an accident which occurred at a special effects facility during the preparation and testing for an upcoming shoot,” said the producers. “Warren is beloved by all who worked with him during an impressive 25-year career in television and motion pictures. The executive producers, along with everyone in the Titans family, Warner Bros. Television Group and DC Universe, wish to express our deepest condolences, and heartfelt love and support, to Warren’s family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Acme FX, a special effects company based out of Toronto that had been partnered with Appleby likewise articulated their devastation in a statement. “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Acme FX partner Warren Appleby,” they said. “Warren was a beloved business partner, leader, mentor, friend and brother to many in our community, and a loving husband and father to his wife and children. He will be remembered for his quick humor, strong leadership, care and compassion for his crew and — above all else — his devotion to his family. Words cannot express how dearly he will be missed.”
Appleby worked as a special effects supervisor and coordinator on a number of acclaimed feature films including It and The Shape of Water. His career in television landed him jobs on shows like The Strain, 11.22.63 and Killjoys. In wake of his passing, a memorial fund has been created to raise money for his family on GoFundMe.
Titans, a darker rendition of the popular Teen Titans cartoon, had originally been pitched for TNT. When the cable channel decided to scrap the project in 2016, DC Universe decided to revive the title one year later. It debuted on DC Universe and is currently in production for season two.