[citation needed] Blake's charismatic presence and fast-rising star led to him being dubbed "the next Mel Gibson", with mentions of several work opportunities in the United States and talk of a new Mad Max film.

[citation needed] On 1 December 1986, Blake was badly injured in a car accident while driving home after the last day of filming The Lighthorsemen in the South Australian desert.

His only external injuries were a slight graze on his cheekbone and a cut to his temple,[5] but he sustained permanent brain damage in the accident and was left paralysed and unable to speak.

[6] After several long and complex legal battles and appeals,[7] represented by Sydney lawyer Tim Kelly, Blake was awarded $33.3 million in compensation for his caretaking and lost future earnings.

[8] Academy Award-winning filmmaker George Miller, producer Hal McElroy, critic David Stratton and actor Peter Phelps all testified about Blake's potential.