Walton Goggins emerged as a hero on set during the production of a lesser-known Western film.
Walton Goggins, recognized for his roles as Ghoul/Cooper Howard in Fallout, Cecil Stedman in Invincible, and Rick Hatchett in season 3 of The White Lotus, has had a significant influence on contemporary TV culture. His performances in Fallout and The White Lotus earned him Primetime Emmy Award nominations, adding to previous accolades received for his portrayal of Boyd Crowder over ten years ago.
One of Goggins’ standout films, though not as celebrated, is the 2011 sci-fi Western Cowboys & Aliens, directed by Jon Favreau. The film features an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig as outlaw Jake Lonergan, Olivia Wilde as the enigmatic Ella Swenson, and Harrison Ford as cattleman Woodrow Dolarhyde, who band together to combat an alien threat. Goggins plays Hunt, a bandit and associate of Lonergan.
During a discussion on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Wilde shared a harrowing incident from the set where Goggins acted heroically to save her life. She recounted being thrown from her horse and nearly being trampled by the horses following her. Goggins, noticing the imminent danger, quickly maneuvered his horse to shield her from the oncoming stampede.
“Walt Goggins saved my life on that movie. During a scene where we were charging across the desert, I was thrown off my horse after it leaped over a large ditch. I landed hard and was hidden by a mound of dirt, making it impossible for the trailing horses to see me,” Wilde explained. “I heard them approaching and thought it was the end. But Goggins saw what happened and blocked the path with his horse, taking the brunt of the impact himself. He’s not just a co-star but a real-life hero.”
Though Goggins has portrayed a variety of characters, from villains to morally ambiguous figures, his off-screen bravery underscores his real-life valor. This act of heroism occurred before he rose to the high profile he enjoys today.
Following this incident, Wilde went on to feature in notable projects like Spike Jonze’s Her, Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell, and voiced a character in Netflix’s BoJack Horseman. She also directed the critically acclaimed BookSmart and the polarizing Don’t Worry Darling, as well as A24’s The Invite, which boasts a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Cowboys & Aliens, despite a mixed critical reception and modest box office success, is noted for its entertaining blend of sci-fi and Western elements, contributing to its status as an underrated film in the careers of Goggins, Wilde, Craig, and Ford.
Looking ahead, Goggins is set to return in Fallout season 3 and Invincible season 5, with several films in the pipeline including Batso, Painter, Mister, and Harry and the Mutant Mid-Century Furniture. Meanwhile, Wilde will direct Avengelyne and Naughty, and star in upcoming films such as Behemoth!, Clay Bodies, and Monkey Hill.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
