Special Effects Chief Killed on Titans Set

A special effects "wizard" is dead following an accident on the set of DC Universe's Titans. Warren Appleby, the special effects coordinator for the show, was hit by metal debris that broke off from a car without warning at a special effects facility in Toronto on Thursday, reports Variety. A Warner Bros. rep tells the outlet that the accident occurred during "preparation and testing for an upcoming shoot" as part of the second season of the show, which follows a team of young superheroes. Police responded around 11:30am, per the Toronto Star, which reports Appleby died en route to a hospital.

Production on the show will be suspended for two days for a Ministry of Labour investigation, per the Star. "We are heartbroken and devastated," the Warner Bros. rep says, noting "Warren is beloved by all who worked with him." "He was at the very heart of our industry and everyone knew and cherished him," reads a tweet from Guillermo del Toro, who worked with Appleby on the 2017 Oscar-winning film The Shape of Water. Appleby also did the effects for It: Chapter Two, set for release in September. The New York Daily News describes Appleby as a special effects "wizard" with 25 years of experience. (More TV shows stories.)