Movie sets often involve risky action scenes, but sometimes those moments turn into real emergencies. Actress Olivia Wilde recently shared the story of a frightening accident that happened while filming the 2011 sci-fi western "Cowboys & Aliens." During the incident, co-star Walton Goggins made a split-second decision that Wilde believes saved her life.
Speaking on the "Armchair Expert" podcast, Olivia Wilde described the dangerous sequence filmed with Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, and dozens of riders racing across the desert.
"We were leading the charge to fight the aliens or whatever," Wilde recalled.
According to Wilde, her horse suddenly jumped and violently bucked her off. She hit her head and back before landing on the opposite side of a dirt ridge. That position created a serious risk because nearly 40 horses charging behind could not see where she had fallen. Thick dust also reduced visibility across the filming area.
"I remember having my ear to the ground and I could hear it and it sounded like thunder," Wilde said. "I thought, 'It'll be quick. It'll be like, pulverized applesauce. Out.'"
Instagram | bytesizen | Olivia Wilde revealed that Walton Goggins saved her life during a frightening "Cowboys & .Aliens" set accident.
Walton Goggins Reacted Without Hesitation
Walton Goggins was riding behind Wilde and immediately noticed the accident. Instead of continuing with the scene, he guided his horse directly toward her and used it as a shield to block the approaching horses.
"And he's a great rider, so he was able to handle that," Wilde said. "People split the two sides around us thinking he had just gone insane, but he was protecting my body on the ground."
She credited his quick thinking and riding skills with preventing what could have been a fatal outcome.
"I owe him my life. It's crazy. He's a real-life hero," Wilde added.
Olivia Wilde currently appears in "The Invite," alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton. Walton Goggins most recently appeared in the television series "Fallout" and "Invincible."
The incident highlights the real dangers that can exist behind large-scale action productions. Although audiences remember "Cowboys & Aliens" for its cast and action scenes, Olivia Wilde's account offers a reminder that quick judgment and experience can make a life-saving difference when unexpected accidents happen on set.
