Radcliffe & stunt double team up for documentary shedding light on Holmes' journey after a heart-wrenching accident on the Harry Potter set that changed his life forever.
David Holmes is Daniel Radcliffe's trusty stunt double from the Harry Potter series. Holmes' commitment to the renowned Harry Potter franchise began with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone." Over a period of a decade, he and Radcliffe built an "inextricable bond." However, the production of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" became a tragic turning point for Holmes.
A pre-planned explosion for a stunt scene went terribly awry, causing Holmes to crash to the ground. This devastating accident resulted in a severe spinal injury, rendering Holmes paralyzed from the chest down.
Warner Bros. Discovery, in a poignant statement, emphasized, “As Daniel and his closest stunt colleagues rally to support David and his family in their moment of need, it is David’s extraordinary spirit of resilience that becomes their greatest source of strength and inspiration.”
Offering a sneak peek into the documentary's content, the statement highlighted, “Featuring candid personal footage shot over the last decade, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes’ stunt work, scenes of his current life and intimate interviews with David, Daniel Radcliffe, friends, family and former crew, the film also reflects universal themes of living with adversity, growing up, forging identities in an uncertain world and the bonds that bind us together and lift us up.”
Titled "David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived," this documentary is the brainchild of HBO Documentary Films in collaboration with Sky Studios and Lightbox/Ripple Productions. Radcliffe is not only spearheading the project as a subject but is also playing a pivotal role behind the scenes as an executive producer.
The film's production team is a blend of seasoned professionals and those personally connected to Holmes' journey. Producers include Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn, Vanessa Davies, and Amy Stares. The executive producing team comprises names like Radcliffe himself, Holmes, Dan Hartley, Sue Latimer, Sarah Spahovic, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Tina Nguyen, and Poppy Dixon.
Before this documentary, Radcliffe and Holmes weren't strangers to collaborations. In 2020, they ventured into the realm of podcasts with "Cunning Stunts," where they conversed with iconic stunt performers, unraveling the intricacies of memorable action scenes in movies.
The documentary promises to take audiences on an emotional journey, unraveling the resilience and indomitable spirit of David Holmes. Not only does it delve deep into the life of a talented young gymnast who formed an unbreakable connection with Radcliffe but also examines the broader themes of grappling with adversities, growing pains, and the potent ties that unite us as human beings.
"David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived" is set to premiere next month, and with the depth of personal stories, interviews, and raw footage, it promises to offer an unfiltered look into Holmes' world post the life-altering incident and the irrevocable bond he shares with Radcliffe.
This partnership between Radcliffe and Holmes highlights the depth of their relationship, showcasing the power of friendship and collaboration in the face of overwhelming challenges. The documentary stands as a testament to their enduring bond.