Daniel Radcliffe helps chronicle ‘Harry Potter’ stunt double’s paralysis in HBO doc
“Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe is helping bring the harrowing story of his “Harry Potter” stunt double’s paralysis from an on-set accident to the screen in a new documentary for HBO.
The premium cable network announced Tuesday that “David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived” will premiere Nov. 15 on HBO and stream on Max.
Holmes, 42, was left paralyzed from the chest down after an on-set explosion during the filming of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” in 2009.
The British podcast host and stunt performer had performed Radcliffe’s stunts since the first installment of the blockbuster fantasy film franchise.
"Over the next 10 years, the two form an inextricable bond, but on the penultimate film a tragic accident on set leaves David paralyzed with a debilitating spinal injury, turning his world upside down,” an official synopsis from HBO states.
Holmes sustained near-fatal injuries while rehearsing a flying sequence at U.K.’s Leavesden studios and now uses a wheelchair for mobility. Despite his paralysis, Holmes took up automobile racing, using hand controls to drive.
“The Boy Who Lived” features candid personal footage, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes’ stunt work, and interviews with Holmes, Radcliffe, friends, family, and former “Harry Potter” crew members.
Radcliffe has joined the Dan Hartley-directed film documentary as an executive producer.
The 34-year-old actor — currently seen on Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Merrily We Roll Along” — previously collaborated with Holmes on the “Cunning Stunts” podcast, which highlights stunt performers in Hollywood.
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