A veteran Indiana Jones cast member has spoken publicly for the first time following a frightening onstage accident that left him with serious injuries after he intervened to stop a runaway 400 lb boulder stunt prop during a live performance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
🚨FULL VIDEO: Disney Employee Saves Audience Members From MASSIVE 400lb Boulder After Dangerous Set Malfunction ⚠️
Many are speculating that DEI may be responsible, after all of Disney’s recent pushes to hire based on race/protected status, rather than qualifications and… pic.twitter.com/1e0PGfjI8v
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) December 31, 2025
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Robert Herrick, who has worked on Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular for more than three decades, broke his silence this week after sustaining two fractured vertebrae when a 400-pound boulder went off its track and began rolling toward the audience during a December 30th performance.
Rather than flee, Herrick reacted instinctively — stepping directly into the path of the boulder to prevent it from reaching guests.
A Split-Second Decision With Serious Consequences
Video of the incident spread rapidly online in the days following the accident, showing the massive prop bouncing toward the seating area before striking Herrick and knocking him to the ground. The moment was chaotic, and at the time, little was known about the extent of his injuries.
Herrick later confirmed that the impact resulted in fractures to two vertebrae in his neck. He is expected to remain in a neck brace for approximately eight weeks as he recovers.
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Despite the severity of the injuries, Herrick downplayed any notion that his actions were extraordinary.
“My only thought was that thing could reach the audience,” Herrick said.
Rejecting the “Hero” Label
While many fans and observers quickly labeled Herrick a hero, the longtime performer has resisted the characterization, framing his actions as a reflex born of experience rather than bravery.
Herrick’s decades with the show include time as a stunt performer before transitioning into an onstage director role — experience that likely played a role in how quickly he assessed the danger and reacted.
Robert Herrick, a Walt Disney World Cast member, puts himself between guests and a runaway boulder prop at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – X, @MattWallace888
According to Herrick, the focus was never on himself, but on preventing a potentially catastrophic situation involving guests.
Recovery and a Return to the Show
Herrick has expressed optimism about his recovery and a desire to return to work once he is medically cleared. He has spoken positively about his fellow cast members and his long-standing connection to the show.
Indiana Jones runs from the boulder in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – YouTube, 4K WDW
He stated that he loves the show and his fellow cast members and is excited to return once he recovers.
In the meantime, Disney has altered the production of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The show is currently being performed without the boulder effect, a notable change to one of its most iconic sequences.
A Reminder of the Risks Behind the Magic
The incident is a stark reminder that live stunt shows are only as safe as the systems, maintenance, and oversight behind them.
While Disney markets its theme park entertainment as meticulously engineered and tightly controlled, this malfunction exposes how quickly that illusion collapses when something goes wrong. Herrick’s injuries were not the result of audience recklessness or performer error, but a failure in a production that relies on heavy machinery operating in close proximity to guests and cast members alike — a responsibility that ultimately rests with Disney.
The Exterior of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – YouTube, 4K WDW
No additional details have been released regarding what caused the boulder to come off its track, and Disney has not issued a detailed public explanation beyond confirming changes to the show.
For now, the focus remains on Herrick’s recovery — and on the fact that a split-second decision by a seasoned Indiana Jones cast member may have prevented a far more serious outcome.
How do you feel about this Indiana Jones cast member and his heroic actions? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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