Guillermo Francella’s Hair-Raising Accident on Fuerteventura
Recently, renowned Argentine actor Guillermo Francella made a memorable appearance on the popular Spanish television show El Hormiguero to promote his latest film, Playa de Lobos. Alongside Javier Veiga, who stars and directs the movie, Francella shared engaging snippets about the film, set to hit theaters on December 5. However, it was his recounting of a terrifying car accident that occurred just a day before shooting commenced that truly captivated the audience.
The Day Before Filming: A Nightmare Unfolds
With a mix of humor and nervous laughter, Francella described the harrowing experience. “It was a nasty accident. Very nasty. Thankfully, we got lucky. It happened the day before filming,” he recalled. The incident took place while he was traveling with the film’s producer, who was driving, along with his daughter and brother. The tension in the car escalated as they attempted to navigate Fuerteventura’s notorious roundabout-laden roads.
“Fuerteventura has many roundabouts. I don’t know why there’s one every hundred meters,” he joked, explaining how their journey back from dinner quickly turned chaotic. His light-hearted commentary about the island’s roundabouts provided comic relief amidst a concerning tale.
A Comedic Yet Dangerous Detour
As Francella continued to narrate their misadventure, he outlined the absurdity of their ordeal: “We got lost with Waze. Oh God! And we had to return to the roundabout. When we finally did, I looked up and saw a car coming with its lights on,” he recounted, memories flooding back. “Boom! A crash. The airbags deployed, and I was hurt pretty badly. My brother also got injured when he hit his head against my daughter’s head.”
While the accident may have seemed sudden and frightening, the actor stressed that none of them sustained serious injuries. “What a fright! We got out and, thank God, we were unharmed, just banged up,” he said. He humorously highlighted a crucial point: “Thank God I didn’t hurt my face because I had to film the next day!”
Emergency Services: Unexpected Timing
One of the lighter moments in his story was the speedy arrival of emergency services. “It was like it was rehearsed; an ambulance passed by in such a hurry,” Francella laughed, eliciting chuckles from the studio audience. His comedic timing and self-deprecating humor kept the mood light, drawing attention away from the gravity of the incident.
A Director’s Panic: Javier Veiga’s Reaction
Javier Veiga, director and co-star of Playa de Lobos, also chimed in to express his shock upon hearing of the accident. “I was dining when the producer called to tell me about the crash. I asked if everyone was okay, and she started stuttering… then hung up. I thought, ‘In Argentina, I’m going to be blamed for killing Francella!’” he humorously recounted.
His initial reaction was one of disbelief, momentarily believing that the project was over before it even began. “For a few moments, I thought it was all finished,” he confessed, recognizing the gravity of the situation. This incident not only surprised the crew but also jeopardized an ambitious filming schedule planned amid the scenic backdrops of Fuerteventura.
The Film: A Blend of Humor and Suspense
Despite the initial panic surrounding the accident, the team’s spirits remained intact. Playa de Lobos is described as a story blending comedy, intrigue, and unexpected twists. Veiga mentioned that the film represents “a comedy disguised as a thriller, or a thriller with a comedic mask,” while Francella emphasized his commitment to the project because “when there’s a good story behind it, you’re protected.”
Even with the scare from the car crash, filming resumed smoothly the following day, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie among the cast.
A Positive Note on Filming
While the accident was undoubtedly a terrifying moment for all involved, both Francella and Veiga reflected on how the experience forged deeper connections within the team. In the face of adversity, not only were they able to proceed with their work, but they emerged stronger and more united, ready to tackle the challenges ahead in the lively world of cinema.
Through laughter and light-hearted storytelling, Guillermo Francella transformed a potentially tragic event into a shared experience of resilience and humor, much to the delight of the audience on El Hormiguero.
