A frightening moment unfolded at Walt Disney World after a cast member was struck during a live stunt show when a massive prop boulder went off course, forcing Disney to step in and modify the production.
The incident happened during a performance of the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to reports, a 400-pound rubber boulder used in the show became displaced from its track and rolled onto the stage.
Video of the accident, which quickly spread on social media, shows the giant prop bouncing away from its intended path and toward the front of the stage. A Disney employee rushes in, seemingly trying to stop the boulder before it can reach the audience. The impact proves too strong, knocking the cast member to the ground. Another employee immediately runs in to help as the clip cuts off.
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Disney confirmed the incident and said the injured worker is recovering.
“We’re focused on supporting our cast member, who is recovering,” a Disney spokesperson told Variety. “Safety is at the heart of what we do, and that element of the show will be modified as our safety team completes a review of what happened.”
The “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” is part of Disney’s Discovery Disney event series, which offers guests behind-the-scenes looks at how the parks create their shows, according to the Disney Parks Blog.
The long-running stunt show is inspired by scenes from the 1981 classic “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. In addition to the famous rolling boulder sequence, the show features bullwhip demonstrations, high falls, axe-wielding stone soldiers, and punji stick pressure plate stunts.
According to the show’s official description, extensive safety planning is built into every performance. Disney says there are dozens of contingency plans in place if something goes wrong. The opening scene alone, which features only the Indiana Jones performer, reportedly has 12 different backup options.
Despite those safeguards, the unexpected mishap has raised concerns online about live stunt safety. Disney has not said when the modified version of the show will debut, but confirmed a full safety review is underway.
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