The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network A Runaway Boulder and a Crumbling Fairytale (Ep. 566)
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Jan 12, 2026 This week, mind reader and showman Chris Cox, known for his international performances and co-hosting 'The Case For,' joins to discuss some entertaining Disney mishaps. They dive into the recent drama of a runaway boulder during the Indiana Jones show, reflecting on live performance risks. Chris and Jim explore the surprising history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and the impactful, yet subtle, changes made by Imagineer Kim Irvine to Sleeping Beauty Castle, revealing how holiday decorations led to structural issues.
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Runaway Boulder Hits Stage Crew
- During a Dec 30 performance at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular a 400-pound boulder bounced off track and rolled toward the audience.
- A crew member stopped it and required hospital treatment, prompting Disney to remove the boulder from subsequent shows while investigating.
Social Media Forces Faster Safety Responses
- The boulder incident isn't wholly new; occasional misbehaviors happened over thousands of performances.
- Social media amplified the event, forcing Disney to act more cautiously than in earlier eras.
Behind-The-Scenes Of Sword In The Stone
- Jim Hill recounts the Sword in the Stone ceremony and Merlin's role at Magic Kingdom.
- A rooftop cast member secretly chose winners and Merlin awarded a commemorative medal rather than a sword.
