From Magic to Resilience: Daniel Radcliffe and David Holmes, ‘Harry Potter’ Stunt Double, Unite for a Documentary

It has been roughly four years since David Holmes assumed the role of Ambassador for the Australian Stunts Organisation, marking a significant and proud milestone for the ASO. Now, fast forward to the present, we are thrilled to announce that Daniel Radcliffe, who serves as the executive producer, has teamed up with David Holmes for an HBO and Sky documentary in the United Kingdom. This documentary focuses on the life of David Holmes, the stunt double for Harry Potter, who tragically became paralysed during a stunt rehearsal for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” in 2009. Titled “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived,” the documentary is described as a “coming-of-age narrative.” He was a skilled gymnast who began working as a body double at the age of 14, continuing until his unfortunate accident on the set of the second-to-last Harry Potter film. Holmes had served as Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double since the inception of the film series when Radcliffe was just 11 years old. Over the subsequent decade, they forged an unbreakable bond that endures to this day. In 2020, they launched the Cunning Stunts podcast. Following Holmes’s life-altering accident in 2009, Daniel Radcliffe organised a charity auction to raise funds for his medical expenses and, together with Tom Felton, visited him in the hospital. In a 2014 interview with The Mirror, Radcliffe emphasised their profound and enduring connection, stating, “I’ve shared a deep and longstanding relationship with Dave over many years. I would never want people to perceive us simply as Daniel Radcliffe with a person in a wheelchair. Dave is an exceptionally significant figure in my life, and I want everyone to recognise that.” The press release offers a sneak peek at exclusive footage showcasing David Holmes’s stunt performances behind the scenes. It also promises intimate interviews featuring David, Daniel Radcliffe, close friends, family members, and former crew members. The documentary explores inspiring themes related to overcoming challenges, the journey to adulthood, self-discovery in a changing world, and the powerful connections that unite us and offer support. “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” is scheduled to premiere on HBO and Max on Wednesday, November 15th, at 9 p.m.