As reported by Deadline, production has been shut down on DC Universe’s live-action superhero show Titans after special effects coordinator Warren Appleby was tragically killed in an accident “which occurred at a special effects facility during the preparation and testing for an upcoming shoot.”
“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,’ reads the official statement from Warner Bros. and DC Universe. “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.”
Special effects veteran Appleby began his career in the 1990s, and his credits include the likes of Crash, Hemlock Grove, It, The Shape of Water and The Strain, the latter two for director Guillermo del Toro, who shared the following tribute: “I knew Warren as a top-notch FX man but I admired him as a father and family man, and a colleague, too. He always gave you his 100% percent. He was very near and very dear and an integral part of our core team. He will be always be beloved and admired.”
Our condolences go out to Warren’s family and friends at this said time.
UPDATE: A GoFundMe page has been set up in support of Warren’s family; if you’d like to contribute, you can do so here.
Titans season 2 sees newcomers Drew Van Acker (Pretty Little Liars) as Aqualad, Iain Glen (Game of Thrones) as Bruce Wayne, Joshua Orpin (The Black Mysteries: Ghost Stories) as Conner Kent/Superboy, Esai Morales (Ozark) as Slade Wilson/Deathstroke, Chella Man as Joseph Wilson/Jericho, Chelsea Zhang (Andi Mack) as Rose Wilson/Ravager and Natalie Gumede (Doctor Who) as Mercy Graves joining returning series regulars Brenton Thwaites (Robin), Anna Diop (Starfire), Ryan Potter (Beast Boy), Teagan Croft (Raven) and Curran Walters (Jason Todd).
