3 big changes to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney World
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Dec. 19 to huge applause after being dark for about 22 months due to the pandemic. While Indy still escapes the huge boulder and Marion provides a humorous demonstration on how to fight, there are a number of big adjustments to the show.
Most of the show has remained, but there are a number of slight changes that are noticeable. The show’s focus is now on the stunt performers and informing the audience about the safety precautions and coordination taking place.
The stunt performers re-enact scenes from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The changes are likely for safety reasons. Here’s a look at three things that are very noticeable:
1. Audience participation
In the past, a number of volunteers were called on to the stage to be extras in the show. While this was a novelty for a few audience members, it also provided cover for a favorite gag. Previously, during a break, the director would ask the stunt performer who portrayed Marion to illustrate how to take a punch with a “volunteer.” Marion then looked as if she was actually beating up the “volunteer” who was actually a stunt performer in disguise. This gag brought a lot of laughs.
Now, no audience members are asked to the stage. Instead, the audience is asked to perform background noises. Marion still gives a humorous class in stage fighting with another stunt performer.
The reasons seem a bit obvious and most likely include keeping the audience separate from the performers for COVID-19 reasons, as well as not placing any audience member in a dangerous position.
2. No guns or swords
One of the most famous scenes in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” involved a rather muscular-looking tall bad guy wielding a sword and ready to attack Indiana Jones. Instead of using his bullwhip or fists, Indy pulls out a gun and shoots him. This scene was previously recreated in the stunt show, but no more.
Indiana Jones no longer is carrying a pistol. The most likely reason for the removal of the prop gun from the show comes from the fatal shooting that took place on the movie set of “Rust” with a prop gun. After this incident took place there was a big push in the entertainment industry not to use prop guns that fire anything. Compressed air is still used to illustrate gunshots hitting the ground from automatic gunfire, but Indy no longer uses a pistol to either shoot the bad guy or to open the locked plane canopy.
In addition, the swords that were once used by the stunt team in the bazaar scene have been replaced by large sticks.
3. We meet the cast
This is a stunt show and we are now introduced to the stunt performers. This is in place of the portion of the show where volunteers were called to the stage for the show.
