Harrison Ford stunt double sets himself on fire during SAG strike

Harrison Ford’s stunt double set himself on fire during SAG-AFTRA’s ongoing strike, telling studios to “pay attention” to actors’ concerns as they picket alongside the Writers Guild.

Mike Massa initiated the 18-second display Monday at a rally in Georgia in support of actors who began striking July 14 amid failed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents studios and streamers.

In a nod of the risks he and other performers take on for their jobs, the 55-year-old stunt double said he wants the AMPTP to “look at the risk an individual took just to stand onstage and go, ‘Hey, look, we’re fighting for our rights, and we want you to pay attention to us and believe in us,’” according to the Washington Post.

A pal recruited the Atlanta-based “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” stuntman last week to set himself on fire during one of the rallies, which Massa had yet to attend.

The stunt entailed using a blowtorch after pouring fuel over the six layers of clothing Massa was sporting, and administering fire-resistant gel to protect his exposed skin and hair.

“To look [the crowd] in the eye while you’re on fire, not run around like you’re completely freaked out or it’s one of those uncontrollable moments — I think it says a lot,” Massa added. “We’re all in this together!”

In addition to better compensation and working conditions, actors are concerned about the changes brought about by streaming — such as markedly low residuals — and the advent of AI. By joining the writers, who have been picketing since early May, the strike has essentially put a pause on Hollywood.