When Resident Evil: The Final Chapter hit theaters in 2016, fans were treated to the high-octane thrills they’d come to expect from the blockbuster franchise. But behind the scenes, a real-life tragedy unfolded that would cast a long shadow over the film. Olivia Jackson, a seasoned stunt double who risked her life to make Milla Jovovich’s character come alive, suffered a horrific accident that left her permanently disabled. Her battle for justice against the production company has become a grim reminder of the risks stunt performers face—and the systemic failures that often follow when things go wrong.
A Catastrophic Accident That Changed Everything
Olivia Jackson was no stranger to danger. As a professional stunt double, she had worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest films, bringing her expertise and fearlessness to action-packed sequences. But while filming a motorcycle stunt for Resident Evil: The Final Chapter in South Africa, her life took a devastating turn. Jackson was tasked with riding a motorcycle at 44 mph toward a camera rig mounted on a moving vehicle. The plan was for the camera boom to lift at the precise moment to allow her safe passage. Tragically, it didn’t.
The collision left Jackson with catastrophic injuries. Her left arm was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated, and she suffered severe facial injuries, scraping her cheek so deeply that her teeth were exposed. After 17 days in a medically induced coma and a series of life-saving surgeries, she awoke to a new reality—one without the career she loved.
“I’ve had so much taken away from me. I can’t ever work again. I don’t have the job that I was extremely successful in and that I loved so much,” Jackson shared, reflecting on the devastating impact of the accident.
A Legal Battle Against the Odds
What followed the accident was almost as harrowing as the event itself. Jackson took legal action against the production company, the stunt coordinator, and others involved, alleging negligence in the planning and execution of the stunt. However, the defendants denied responsibility, arguing that the incident should be handled through South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF)—a system that caps compensation and offers minimal financial relief.
In 2020, Jackson achieved a partial victory when a court ruling placed blame on the driver of the camera vehicle. But under South African law, her financial compensation was limited to the RAF’s restrictive policies. The maximum payout amounted to just 9% of her annual income—a sum that fell woefully short of covering her medical expenses, let alone securing her future.
The Industry’s Silence and Accountability Gap
One of the most troubling aspects of Jackson’s story is the lack of accountability from the production company, Davis Films/Impact Pictures. Despite the life-altering injuries she sustained while working on their project, Jackson received no compensation from them. Instead, the legal battle shifted the burden onto South Africa’s overtaxed and underfunded road accident system.
“Many crew members were of the opinion that she very well knew what she was getting into as a stunt double and that it was her fault,” noted insiders close to the case. But Jackson’s supporters argue that the accident was the result of poor management and a failure to prioritize safety on set.
A Career Lost, But a Spirit Unbroken
For Jackson, the loss of her arm and the career she excelled in has been a profound hardship. Yet she continues to fight for justice, not just for herself but for other stunt performers who risk their lives in the name of entertainment. Her case highlights the urgent need for better protections and fair treatment for those working in one of the film industry’s most dangerous professions.
While Resident Evil: The Final Chapter went on to gross hundreds of millions worldwide, Jackson’s story remains a sobering counterpoint to its box office success. As fans continue to celebrate the action-packed legacy of the franchise, it’s worth remembering the real-life costs paid by the people behind the scenes.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on Olivia Jackson’s tragic story? Should the film industry do more to protect its stunt performers? Let us know in the comments below.