For decades, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular has been one of the most trusted and familiar live shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney guests file into the theater knowing exactly what to expect: controlled explosions, carefully timed stunts, and a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic that feels thrilling but safe. It is a show that many longtime Disney fans can recite beat for beat, which is why what happened near the end of 2025 was so unsettling.NEW: During Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today, a 400-pound boulder prop dislodged from its track. A Cast Member was injured stopping it before it reached the audience. Disney says the Cast Member received immediate care and is recovering. pic.twitter.com/TxbWYV25OX— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) December 31, 2025A few weeks ago, during a routine performance, something went wrong. In a moment that was never meant to happen, a major prop malfunctioned onstage, forcing a cast member to make a split-second decision that likely prevented serious injuries to guests. That cast member was hurt in the process, and the incident quickly spread across social media, leaving fans shocked and full of questions.Now, for the first time since the accident, the injured performer has spoken publicly about what happened, offering a rare and sobering look behind the curtain of one of Disney World’s most iconic shows.What Went Wrong During the ShowThe incident occurred during the rolling boulder sequence, one of the most recognizable moments in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark, the scene is designed to look chaotic while remaining tightly controlled. The boulder itself is made of rubber materials and follows a specific track that keeps it well away from the audience.During this performance, however, the boulder came out of its trough and continued moving in a way it was not designed to do. As it bounced across the stage, it headed toward the audience area.Credit: Louise R.At that moment, veteran Cast Member Robert Herrick stepped in front of the boulder, placing himself between the runaway prop and the crowd. He was knocked forcefully to the ground, taking the full impact of the boulder. Videos captured him standing back up with visible blood on his head before quickly removing himself from the stage.The performance was stopped, and Herrick received immediate medical attention.The Disney Cast Member Speaks OutWeeks after the incident, Herrick spoke with local Orlando news station WFTV, marking the first time he publicly shared his experience. Appearing in a neck brace, Herrick revealed that he fractured two vertebrae in the accident and will need to wear the brace for eight weeks as he recovers.Herrick explained that in the moment, he was not thinking about himself. His only focus was preventing the boulder from reaching the audience. He recalled being acutely aware that children were seated in front of him and said his instinct was to make sure the prop did not go any farther.WATCH: The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Cast Member Who Stopped the 400 Pound Boulder Breaks His Silence https://t.co/AmbZxpFDqY #Boulder #CastMember #RobertHerrick #WaltDisneyWorld— MickeyBlog.com (@MickeyBlog_) January 14, 2026Despite the severity of the injuries, Herrick expressed deep affection for his role and the people he works with. Having performed in the Indiana Jones show for more than 30 years, he described missing his “Epic family” and the audience and shared that he hopes to return to work once he has fully recovered.He also credited his decades of experience on the stage for allowing him to react so quickly. According to Herrick, his body moved before he even had time to process what was happening.Why This Incident Hit Disney So HardAccidents in theme parks are rare, but those that occur in front of guests leave a lasting impression. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular conveys controlled danger, making it clear to audiences that what seems risky is safe and rehearsed. Robert has always been so incredibly nice to us every time we go to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show and you can tell he truly loves what he does. Definitely a hero in my eyes and I’m glad to see him here recovering well. If you’re able to, here is his GoFundMe… https://t.co/WOQpdRjcCS— Alex “The Indy Guy” Arnold (@AlexArnold88) January 14, 2026However, when an illusion broke during the show, it was unsettling for many. Unlike typical ride stoppages, this malfunction happened live, directly visible to guests. For long-time fans, it challenged their long-established trust, as this was a well-established show that had run thousands of times smoothly before.The Reality of Live Stunt Entertainment at DisneyLive stunt shows exist in a space where precision and unpredictability meet. Performers train extensively, not just to execute stunts, but to respond when something does not go according to plan. Even with safety systems in place, the physical nature of these shows means risk can never be fully eliminated.While the boulder prop is designed to look dangerous rather than be dangerous, it still carries weight and momentum. When that system failed, the danger became real.Herrick’s injuries have sparked renewed conversations about the demands placed on Cast Members working in physically intense roles. These performers are not only entertainers but also first responders when something goes wrong onstage.Credit: DisneyDisney’s Response and Ongoing ReviewDisney confirmed shortly after the incident that the injured cast member received immediate medical care and is recovering. The company also stated that its safety team is reviewing what happened.Disney has not shared details about any changes made to the show following the incident, and it is unclear whether guests will notice any adjustments moving forward. In many cases, updates to safety procedures or equipment happen quietly, without public announcements.Still, the incident has raised questions about how long-running shows are maintained and monitored as they age. While longevity often signals reliability, it also means systems must be continually evaluated to ensure they meet current safety standards.A Moment That Changed EverythingFor the guests who witnessed the accident, the experience is likely to remain vivid for some time. A familiar show suddenly became unpredictable, and the reality behind the spectacle was exposed.For Robert Herrick, it was a workday that changed in an instant. His willingness to act without hesitation likely prevented a far worse outcome, even as it resulted in serious injury to himself.As he continues to recover, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the human effort behind Disney’s magic. The thrills guests enjoy depend on real people making real-time decisions, often under extraordinary pressure.While accidents are never part of the plan, moments like this reveal just how much responsibility Cast Members carry and how quickly everything can change when something goes wrong.The post Disney Stunt Performer Releases Official Statement After 400 Pound Boulder Injury appeared first on Inside the Magic.