Dylan O'Brien Reflects on Life-Changing On-Set Accident and Standing Up for Safety

Dylan O’Brien recently opened up about the safety concerns he faced while filming The Maze Runner: The Death Cure, which resulted in a serious on-set accident. In a conversation with Men’s Health, O’Brien recalled the 2016 incident where he was pulled off a moving vehicle while wearing a harness and struck by another vehicle, leaving him with severe injuries.

Reflecting on the incident, O’Brien said the experience changed how he approaches work, particularly when it comes to standing up for himself on set. He explained how young actors often feel pressured to avoid being labeled as difficult, which can lead to compromising their own safety. “It’s very commonplace for young actors to be controlled,” he said. “They make you feel like standing up for yourself is being difficult.”

O’Brien now emphasizes the importance of trusting his instincts and not allowing others to manipulate his concerns. He expressed frustration that his warnings were ignored before the accident, but the experience taught him the value of having his own back in the industry.

Looking back on his career, O’Brien reflected on his recovery and credited his role in American Assassin for helping him regain confidence after the accident. He previously told The Hollywood Reporter that the film played a crucial role in his healing process, both physically and mentally.

Now, at 33, O’Brien is more confident in his approach to work, stating, “I know the person I am and how I treat others on set. I wasn’t being difficult; I was trying to protect myself, and I’ll never forget that lesson.”