Johann Ofner identified as actor shot and killed during Brisbane music video, ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ filming halted
According to officials the young actor shot and killed during music a video in Brisbane, Australia has been identied as Johann Ofner. While Queensland police said “several firearms had been discharged” during the filming on Monday afternoon just before 2p.m. local time.
“During the filming of that scene several firearms were used and as a result of the use of those firearms one of the actors has received wounds to the chest and has subsequently died from those injuries,” Tom Armitt told the press.
Ofner suffered a chest wound inside of a Brooklyn Standard bar in Brisbane’s city center while shooting a scene for Australian rap group Bliss N Eso’s new music video.
“We do not know specifically how these injuries occurred at this point in time and that’ll be the subject of our investigation.”
Universal/Legendary’s sci-fi sequel Pacific Rim: Uprising had been filming in the same area during the last few weeks, but a spokesman said that the closing of the set on Monday was not related to the shooting death in any way.
Armitt confirmed a full criminal investigation has been launched, but would not confirm that any of “a number of bullets” were from the filming and would not reveal the type of ammunition used.
Crime Scene Tape photo/edited pic from FBI.gov
The Bliss N Eso band, who were not on the set at the time, issued a statement saying: “The video production crew and our team are currently working with the police in their investigation and we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Creator Guillermo del Toro moves into a producer role for the follow-up with Steven S. DeKnight (Netflix’s Daredevil) directing.
Force Awakens star John Boyega headlines the cast which includes Rinko Kikuchi back as Mako Mori, along with Charlie Day and Burn Gorman. Scott Eastwood and Cailee Spaeny are rumored with Star Trek Beyond star Karl Urban still denying he has a role.
Jian Ting, Adria Arjona and Levi Meaden were part of earlier casting reports which announced Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno and Japanese star Mackenyu onboard.
Pacific Rim: Uprising will be in theaters February 23, 2018.
