The full force of the law is to come down on a film production company after Hollywood legend Harrison Ford was seriously injured during the making of Star Wars VII: The Forces Awakens.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has told Foodles Production (UK) Ltd – the company responsible for producing the cinema blockbuster – that it faces prosecution after an accident at Pinewood Studios in June 2014.

Filming had to be delayed for eight weeks after the incident, which left Ford with a broken leg and other injuries after he was hit by a heavy hydraulic metal door as he stood at the entrance of the Millennium Falcon.

Announcing the prosecution, an HSE spokesman said “HSE has today informed Foodles Production (UK) Ltd that it will be prosecuted over four alleged breaches of health and safety law.

“The charges relate to an incident during filming of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which left Harrison Ford with serious injuries after he was hit by a heavy hydraulic door.
“By law, employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers – this is as true on a film set as a factory floor. We have investigated thoroughly and believe that we have sufficient evidence to bring the case to court.”

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd, of Queen Caroline Street, London, will appear at High Wycombe Magistrates Court to face four charges on May 12.

In an interview, Star Wars director JJ Abrams said the injury was the movie’s “greatest gift”, saying that once they knew Ford was all right, it helped the crew bond together.

Asked by TV chat show host Jonathan Ross if he knew which crew member was responsible for the doors closing, Ford replied: “I don’t know and I don’t want to know.”