Second Fatality in Four Years Reported at Edinburgh’s FirstStage Studios During 'Dept. Q' Teardown

Key points

• Left Bank Pictures confirmed the death of an unnamed crew member on Nov. 12, 2026, at FirstStage Studios in Edinburgh.
• The incident occurred around 3 p.m. after Season 2 filming had wrapped, potentially during set dismantling.
• Police Scotland reported the man was pronounced dead at the scene and stated the death is not being treated as suspicious.
• This is the second fatality at FirstStage Studios since 2022, when contractor Philip Ross died in an accident involving a hydraulic lift.
• The 2022 incident remains the subject of a Fatal Accident Inquiry, and the studio has been approached for comment regarding the new death.

Background

FirstStage Studios, located on the site of a former renewable energy company, was converted into a permanent studio with backing from Jason Connery, son of Sir Sean Connery. The facility has hosted major productions including 'Avengers: Infinity War,' 'The Crown,' 'Outlander,' and the Bafta-nominated film 'The Outrun.' 'Dept. Q,' starring Matthew Goode, premiered in May 2025 and was renewed for a second season. The 2022 death of Philip Ross, a 30-year-old contractor, occurred in July and is still under investigation by local authorities.

How outlets are covering it

E! Online and Variety both reported the death as a tragedy, with Left Bank Pictures expressing shock and offering support to the family. Variety noted the incident likely occurred during set dismantling after filming wrapped. The Edinburgh Reporter emphasized the broader safety context, highlighting that the studio is currently under a Fatal Accident Inquiry for the 2022 death of Philip Ross, which is believed to have involved a hydraulic lift. All sources agree that Police Scotland is not treating the current death as suspicious, though inquiries are ongoing to establish full circumstances. Netflix referred comment requests to Left Bank Pictures, and FirstStage Studios has not yet responded to inquiries from The Edinburgh Reporter.

Why it matters

The second fatality at FirstStage Studios in four years raises serious questions about safety protocols at a major UK film facility. The ongoing Fatal Accident Inquiry from the 2022 death suggests unresolved safety issues, and the new incident during post-production teardown highlights potential risks in non-filming phases of production. This could impact future productions at the studio and prompt regulatory scrutiny of set dismantling procedures.

What to watch

Police Scotland will continue inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the Nov. 12, 2026, death. The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the 2022 death of Philip Ross remains ongoing. Left Bank Pictures and FirstStage Studios may issue further statements as investigations proceed. Netflix has not yet responded to comment requests, and the identity of the deceased crew member has not been released.