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Injured Indiana Jones Stuntman Shares his Story on the incident
For the first time since a terrifying mishap at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the stunt performer who threw himself in front of a runaway boulder to protect a crowd of guests is sharing his story.
Robert Herrick, a veteran cast member with over 30 years of experience at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, is recovering from fractured vertebrae after the show’s 400-pound prop boulder derailed on December 30, rolling toward the audience.
In an exclusive interview with WFTV, Herrick revealed that his reaction was instantaneous.
“I was probably out of my seat before it went over the thing, without any thought of what was going to happen,” Herrick said. “My only thought was that thing couldn’t reach the audience.”
Viral video of the incident showed the massive prop—which Herrick confirmed is “absolutely” 400 pounds—jumping its track and barreling toward the seating area. Herrick, who was performing as a stunt technician in the scene, stepped directly into its path, using his body as a shield. The impact threw him backward violently.
“Anyone that sees that and the way it propels me backwards… it’s not 10 pounds,” Herrick noted.
The collision left him with two fractured vertebrae in his neck. He is currently recovering in a neck brace, which he expects to wear for approximately eight weeks.
While social media users and eyewitnesses have hailed him as a hero who “literally saved lives,” Herrick remains humble, crediting his instincts and his deep love for the show rather than bravery.
“I had a difficult time with that moniker,” he admitted when asked about being called a hero. “I think 30-plus years of being on that stage that I love so much… put me in that position. Hero? There was no thought about that at all.”
Disney officials previously stated they were “focused on supporting our cast member” and conducting a safety review of the show. The boulder sequence has been temporarily modified since the accident.
Despite the painful injury, Herrick’s focus remains on returning to the place he calls his second home.
“I miss my ‘Epic’ family, and I miss the audience,” he said. “I missed that little girl and the big eyes watching the show that I get a chance to make magic for people every day.”
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