After suffering an injury on the set of Fast & Furious 9 last month, stuntman Joe Watts' condition has improved.
Watts reportedly suffered a head injury on set on July 22, bringing production temporarily to a stop to focus on the incident. Watts has been moved out of intensive care as he continues to recover, with his family issuing a statement.
"While Joe remains in hospital and there is still a long road ahead, he has been moved out of the ICU and doctors are pleased with his progress," the family statement noted. "We'd especially like to send an enormous thank you to the air-ambulance crew, all the fantastic doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal London Hospital who have provided amazing care to Joe."
In response to Watts' upgraded condition, Universal Pictures has issued its own statement regarding his injury and recovery: "Universal Pictures and the filmmakers, talent and crew of Fast & Furious 9, are heartened that Joe is on the road to recovery with the support of his loved ones. Joe is a professional in every sense of the word, and his commitment to his craft is inspiring to all of us. We know he'll continue to inspire us throughout his recovery. Everyone in the Fast family sends our heartfelt wishes, and we will continue to support Joe and his family however we can."
Fast & Furious 9 will be helmed by Justin Lin, who directed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth entries in the Fast & Furious franchise. Fast & Furious 9 is slated for a May 22, 2020 release.