Olivia Wilde reveals A-list co-star ‘saved my life’ after a horse stunt went wrong
Olivia Wilde reveals A-list co-star ‘saved my life’ after a horse stunt went wrong
Olivia Wilde reveals A list co star - In a recent interview, Olivia Wilde recounted a harrowing incident involving a near-fatal horse stunt on the set of a Western film. The 42-year-old actor, known for her versatile roles in both independent and blockbuster projects, shared a vivid story about a moment that nearly ended her career in a dramatic fashion.
Wilde’s experience came during the production of Jon Favreau’s 2011 movie Cowboys & Aliens, which featured a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, and Paul Dano. The film, a blend of traditional Western storytelling and sci-fi elements, was set in the 1870s American frontier, where a group of rival outlaws, wealthy cattlemen, and Apache warriors must band together to combat an invasion by gold-mining aliens.
While filming a high-energy sequence, Wilde found herself in a life-threatening situation. She described how a chaotic accident during a horse ride nearly led to disaster. “It was me and Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford galloping, like, full sprint across the desert with 40 horses behind us,” she explained in a conversation on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. “We were leading the charge to fight the aliens, or whatever—just going full speed with the chaos of the scene.”
“Walt Goggins saved my life on that movie,” Wilde said. “He did. I had a very bad horse accident, and he saved me. It was like we were in the middle of a stampede, and all I could think was, it’ll be quick. It’ll be like, pulverized applesauce. Out.”
The incident unfolded during a take where Wilde’s horse leaped over a large ditch, bucking her off in an unexpected manner. “So sure enough, this horse jumps and bucks me off in the craziest way,” she continued. “I fell off, hit my head and my back, and was laying [on the ground] but, unfortunately, I was on the other side of this kind of lip of dirt, meaning that all the horses behind couldn’t see me. And there was also a lot of dust.”
Wilde vividly recalled the moment of panic: “I remember having my ear to the ground and I could hear it, and it sounded like thunder, like they were coming towards me. I had the thought—sounds so dramatic—but I thought, it’ll be quick. It’ll be like, pulverized applesauce. Out.”
Just as the situation seemed dire, her co-star Walton Goggins made a split-second decision that saved her life. “Walt Goggins had seen me ahead of him and in a split second thought to turn his horse sideways right in front of me and let everyone kind of bash into him,” she said. “He’s a great rider, so he was able to handle that. People split the two sides around us thinking he had just gone insane, but he was protecting my body on the ground. And so I owe him my life. It’s crazy. He’s a real-life hero.”
Despite the adrenaline-fueled escape, the film’s production faced challenges. Cowboys & Aliens opened in July 2011 and, while praised for its creative fusion of genres, struggled commercially. The movie’s blend of Western and sci-fi elements, though innovative, failed to capture the same audience as its predecessors, leading to mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Olivia Wilde’s praise for ex Harry Styles sparks renewed interest
Recently, Wilde captured public attention with a heartfelt tribute to her former partner Harry Styles, who she dated for nearly two years before their relationship ended in early 2022. During an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, she spoke about how Styles managed the intense pressure of his devoted fanbase during their time together.
“I think it also had a lot to do with the kind of parasocial relationship people have with him, which is a burden that is very weighty and not something I envy,” Wilde noted. “He carries it with grace.”
Wilde’s comments highlight the unique dynamics of fame, where fans often form emotional bonds with celebrities beyond their professional roles. She emphasized that Styles handled the expectations and scrutiny with remarkable poise, a quality she found admirable. “It really did upset people,” she admitted, reflecting on the impact of their relationship on public perception.
The incident with the horses not only showcased Wilde’s gratitude toward Goggins but also underscored the physical risks inherent in action filmmaking. The sequence she described, while dramatic, was just one of many high-stakes moments on set, requiring actors and crew to balance creativity with safety. Despite the near-disaster, Wilde’s performance in the film remains a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft.
As the film’s legacy continues to be discussed, Wilde’s story adds a personal touch to the broader narrative of its production. The blend of Western and sci-fi elements, while ambitious, left some wondering whether the genre experimentation was the key to its mixed success. Yet, for Wilde, the experience with Goggins remains a defining moment, one that highlights the camaraderie and heroism among actors in high-pressure environments.
Her recent praise for Styles also reflects a broader theme in her career: the ability to navigate both professional and personal challenges with grace. Whether it’s surviving a stampede or managing the expectations of a global fanbase, Wilde’s insights offer a glimpse into the multifaceted life of a Hollywood star. The two stories, though separate, illustrate the same spirit of perseverance and appreciation for those who support her in her journey.