The making of A Knight’s Tale was a memorable ride, with the cast’s camaraderie playing a big part in its success. The film, which marked a pivotal moment in Heath Ledger‘s burgeoning career, was full of stories that are now Hollywood legend. One such tale, recalled by the director himself, is of The Dark Knight actor knocking out his tooth on set.
Brian Helgeland details fake jousting with Heath Ledger on 25th anniversary of A Knight’s Tale
Director Brian Helgeland recently shared a hilarious anecdote of the fun times he had with Heath Ledger on the set of A Knight’s Tale.
Ahead of the film’s 25th anniversary, Helgeland reflected on a mishap involving Heath Ledger. He recalled the moment when the actor accidentally knocked out one of his teeth, leaving his smile forever altered. This incident occurred months ago while they were pretending to joust with a broom and a mic stand.
“After the movie came out, we were demonstrating how to joust to his agent,” Helgeland told The Guardian. “He had a broom, and I had a mic stand: he hit me in the mouth by accident and knocked my tooth out.”
However, the director didn’t refrain from highlighting Ledger’s dedication to the role. He revealed that the Brokeback Mountain actor sustained injuries himself during the actual filming of those intense jousting scenes. “Heath got pretty bashed up,” Helgeland said. “He’d proudly lift his shirt, and there’d be huge abrasions.”
As A Knight’s Tale prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, the writer-director fondly recalls the film’s making, touched by its significance to Heath Ledger. “Heath said A Knight’s Tale was like a photo album of how much fun he had making it,” the Payback director said. “It’s about fighting the power – and that speaks to today very well.”
Heath Ledger passed away tragically in 2008 at 28 due to an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
