James Cameron’s Wildest Film Nearly Claimed Lives—But He Saved One

Few Hollywood productions have ever matched the intensity and danger that surrounded the making of The Abyss. The film ’s grueling underwater sequences pushed everyone involved to their limits, with even the director and lead actor facing life-threatening situations. Yet, amid the chaos, an unlikely act of compassion unfolded that would become one of the film’s most memorable off-screen stories.

Peril Beneath the Surface

The Abyss was shot in a decommissioned nuclear power plant, where a massive water tank set the stage for the film’s ambitious underwater scenes. Director James Cameron, known for his relentless pursuit of realism, found himself in real danger when he dove into the 35-foot-deep tank, weighed down by 40 pounds of gear. He ran out of air during a dive, and in a desperate bid for survival, ditched his equipment and raced for the surface. A safety diver tried to intervene, but Cameron, panicked and unable to breathe, lashed out to break free and reach the air above.

Lead actor Ed Harris, who played Bud, also faced a terrifying ordeal. During a pivotal scene, Harris chose to rely on his own breath rather than use a special breathing liquid. For a brief, harrowing moment, he believed he might not make it out alive, as a diver’s delayed response left him gasping underwater.

An Unlikely Friendship

Amid the relentless pressure and near-misses, a small but significant event stood out. While demonstrating the film’s oxygenated water technology, a rat named Beady nearly drowned. Cameron, determined to ensure the safety of all creatures on set, performed CPR on the tiny animal, reviving it. This act wasn’t just about meeting the requirements for the No Animals Were Harmed certification—it sparked a unique bond between Cameron and Beady.

Reflecting on their connection, Cameron shared,

Beady and I bonded over the whole thing. I saved his life. We were brothers. He used to sit on my desk while I was writing Terminator 2, and he lived to a ripe old age. He didn’t seem particularly traumatized, though I know the film is outlawed in the U.K. because of ‘animal cruelty.’

Surviving the Ordeal

The production’s dangers weren’t limited to a few close calls. Multiple cast and crew members faced hazardous conditions, with the constant threat of drowning hanging over the set. Despite the turmoil, Ed Harris held no resentment toward Cameron, even as the director’s reputation for being demanding grew. Harris later said,

I like Jim. He’s an incredibly talented, intelligent guy. In subsequent years after filming, it was always good to see him.

Cameron himself doesn’t look back fondly on his first deep-sea filmmaking experience, but he acknowledges that the lessons learned on The Abyss paved the way for his later successes, including Titanic. The film remains a testament to the extremes of movie- making—and the unexpected moments of humanity that can emerge under pressure.

The Abyss is available to rent on Apple TV.