Firewalker

Firewalker

Year: 1986

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: J. Lee Thompson

ActionAdventureComedy

A team of adventurers, including Chuck Norris, Louis Gossett Jr., and Melody Anderson, venture deep into the oppressive jungle heat. Their mission: to locate the lost riches hidden within a fabled Aztec temple. The journey is fraught with danger as they navigate treacherous terrain and face unknown perils in their pursuit of the ancient treasure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Firewalker (1986)

Trace every key event in Firewalker (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Patricia recruits Max and Leo with a map to Firewalker gold

Max Donigan and Leo Porter, two seasoned treasure hunters, are recruited after their latest stint goes wrong. Patricia Goodwin, who seems psychic and owns the treasure map, convinces them that the map leads to a vast hoard of gold tied to the legendary 'Firewalker'. They also learn a dangerous pursuer, a red cyclops, is after the map.

2

Map leads them to a cave on a local Native American Reservation

Patricia guides the trio to a cave on a reservation where the map supposedly points. She warns that the cave houses 'old people, sleeping', hinting at danger. Inside, they uncover a mass grave of skeletons and a mural with Aztec and Mayan art, including an anachronistic 1527 date, and a ruby-pommeled dagger hidden in a skull.

Native American Reservation cave
3

Ambush in the cave and the kidnapping of Patricia

While Leo studies the mural, Max uncovers a ruby-pommeled dagger buried in a skull. The group is ambushed by a small gang; Patricia is abducted by one of the attackers. After a brief struggle, Max and Leo kill their assailants, and the kidnapper screams and throws himself into a pit at the sight of the dagger.

Cave on Native American Reservation
4

Bar discussion reveals El Coyote and Tall Eagle; San Miguel hinted

Back in town, Max and Leo debate the dagger over drinks. The barkeep tells them about El Coyote, a one-eyed man descended from the Aztecs, and about Tall Eagle, a local Native American. They also learn that the Firewalker is a powerful figure tied to the sun, and Patricia uses a small bag of 'magic' to protect herself. Patricia then stabs the dagger into a map, faints, and reveals San Miguel as their next destination.

evening Local bar
5

Attempted murder of Max; eerie events at night

A woman drugs Max while El Coyote chants and holds a snake, attempting to murder him. Patricia wakes just in time to defend him as the scheme unfolds. They capture the would-be killer, but she disappears overnight and a snake appears in her cell, signaling that danger remains.

night Bar
6

Trip to San Miguel to barter for information

The trio travels to San Miguel to barter for information about the map's location. They seek locals who can shed light on the mystery and point them toward the next clue in their quest.

San Miguel
7

Boggs directs to Chajal; Boggs is revealed to work for El Coyote

A man named Boggs directs them to a contact in the village of Chajal, but it becomes clear that Boggs is working for El Coyote. Boggs is later killed by El Coyote, signaling the extent of the antagonist's reach.

Chajal vicinity
8

Disguised entry to Chajal and jungle chase

Dressed as priests and a nun to avoid detection, they reach the village of Chajal, which is deserted. Local militia chase them into the jungle; they escape and set up camp for the night, continuing the search at dawn.

night Chajal and surrounding jungle
9

Corky Taylor's group rescues them with transport

The next morning, Corky Taylor, leader of a small Central American freedom fighters group, locates them and provides a vehicle to finish their journey. With new transport, they press on toward their destination and hope to reach the temple soon.

morning Jungle outskirts
10

Leo found alive in temple; El Coyote holds him

The trio discovers Leo alive, dangling from a rope in the temple, while El Coyote looms nearby. He offers Leo in exchange for the dagger, revealing his intent to sacrifice them all to become the Firewalker.

morning Temple
11

Patricia sealed in a passageway; plan to rescue

Patricia tries to bargain for her freedom, but El Coyote seals her in a passageway. Max and Leo vow to rescue her and to stop the ritual from proceeding, preparing for a dangerous showdown.

climax Temple
12

El Coyote escapes the chamber after dagger throw

During a prior moment in the temple, Max throws the dagger at El Coyote to kill him, but he catches it and escapes the chamber. This sets up the final confrontation, forcing the others to improvise a rescue.

climax Temple chamber
13

Final confrontation: dagger stab, ritual ends, gold discovered

Patricia stabs El Coyote in the back with the dagger as he lunges at Max. He is stunned and Max fights him off, throwing him onto the altar. Patricia sprinkles the magic bag on El Coyote's body, and he bursts into flame. They retrieve the gold and prepare to leave the temple together.

finale Temple chamber
14

Escape with gold

With El Coyote defeated, the trio exits the temple carrying the gold. They have achieved their long-shot treasure and secured their fortune, ending their perilous journey on a triumphant note.

after finale Temple exit

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 10:30

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Firewalker Summary

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Firewalker Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Firewalker

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Firewalker

More About Firewalker

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