Olivia Wilde has revealed she came frighteningly close to death after a terrifying on-set accident involving a horse stampede.
The actress recalled getting caught in a horse stampede before a fellow Hollywood star made a split-second decision that she believes saved her life.
Olivia Wilde is revisiting the dramatic story while reflecting on the unpredictable realities of filmmaking, offering a rare glimpse into the dangerous moment that almost changed everything.
Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, Wilde revealed the frightening incident happened while filming “Cowboys & Aliens.” She admitted the cast had grown increasingly confident after weeks of riding.
Wilde explained that she, Daniel Craig, and Harrison Ford were leading a charge across the desert while dozens of horses raced behind them. According to Wilde, the sequence required them to gallop at full speed before she spotted a massive ditch ahead.
Realizing her horse was about to leap over it, she had only seconds to react before the animal suddenly bucked her off. She recalled hitting her head and back before landing behind a dirt ridge, unaware the worst was still coming.
A Co-Star’s ‘Split-Second’ Move Saved The Actress’s Life
The actress lay down on the ground and recalled hearing what sounded like thunder as the horses ran toward her. Wilde said she was prepared to meet whatever was coming at her and knew before anyone could reach her she would be crushed.
Instead, Walton Goggins spotted the danger unfolding ahead of him. Without hesitation, he turned his horse sideways across her path, allowing the stampeding animals to crash into him instead of trampling her. In her words:
“Wal Goggins had seen it 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.”
Wilde praised the actor’s quick thinking, explaining that his riding experience allowed him to control the situation despite the impact. Looking back on the terrifying moment, Wilde said she genuinely owes him her life and described him as a real-life hero.
Olivia Wilde Reflects On Another Career-Changing Experience
Surviving the terrifying accident was not the only moment the filmmaker recently reflected on. Wilde also looked back at the intense public scrutiny surrounding “Don’t Worry Darling” and admitted she now regrets how she handled it.
The director announced she was urged not to say anything due to the rumors surrounding the movie. Instead, Wilde was told to smile and not respond publicly – something she now regrets, as she was not given the opportunity to defend herself.
Looking back, the actress insisted many of the claims were untrue, including reports of on-set screaming matches and professional misconduct.
She said the experience changed how she plans to handle public controversies in the future. PEOPLE also reported that she felt the backlash robbed her of the innocence she once had while making films.
The Actress Turned To Therapy After The Public Custody Papers Incident
The shocking confrontation did not end when she walked off the CinemaCon stage. According to Wilde, the emotional fallout stayed with her long after the headlines faded.
She said that she had to control herself till she stepped off the stage before she collapsed as she was heading backstage. Later, the actress stepped away from the spotlight and devoted herself to healing through therapy.
She explained that removing herself from what felt like “a tornado” helped her heal, adding that extensive therapy allowed her to grow from the experience. As reported by The Blast, Wilde still considers that period one of the most traumatic moments of her career.
Olivia Wilde Once Called The Onstage Custody Papers Incident ‘Vicious’
The filmmaker later revisited the incident during reflection and recollection of how it has impacted her. Wilde said she never got a clear idea as to how the legal papers came to her onstage.
Although her former fiancé denied orchestrating the moment, she chose to believe him for the sake of their children. Still, she maintained that the public confrontation was “f-cked up in so many ways” and painful for everyone involved.
Wilde earlier stated that the interruption was “vicious,” that it tainted her work and had a profound impact on their kids. The actress also said that there was “a reason” for her to end the relationship.
As the actress continues to introspect about her personal and professional problems, the question that remains is: will Olivia Wilde finally be able to move on from those difficult times in her life?
