From wizarding world tragedy to raw, redemptive cinema: Daniel Radcliffe collaborates with his Harry Potter body double David Holmes

Cast alongside the iconic young wizard Daniel Radcliffe, stunt double David Holmes was the unseen hand behind many of the thrilling sequences that delighted Harry Potter fans. Their bond, which began on the sets of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, strengthened over the years, only to face a shattering test during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. A grievous spinal injury in an on-set accident left Holmes paralyzed, plunging both him and Radcliffe into a maelstrom of emotions.

The boy who lived: A story of courage and friendship

In a move that exemplifies both their professional and personal bond, Radcliffe has now collaborated with Holmes to create a documentary, David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived. This evocative title, a nod to Potter's epithet, pivots to showcase Holmes' remarkable journey of resilience. The documentary, in which Radcliffe serves as the executive producer, is poised to offer a candid look into the life of a stunt double, juxtaposed with intimate interviews, personal footage spanning a decade, and scenes from Holmes' life post-accident.

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Warner Bros Discovery expressed in a statement, emphasizing the "extraordinary spirit of resilience" of Holmes, which has been an "inspiration" to his colleagues, friends, and family.

Radcliffe & Holmes: Past collaborations and the future

The documentary is not the duo's first collaboration post the accident. In 2020, Radcliffe and Holmes delved into the dynamic world of stunts with their podcast, Cunning Stunts, engaging with key stunt performers and dissecting legendary action scenes. This documentary, backed by giants like HBO Documentary Films, Sky Studios, and Lightbox/Ripple Productions, solidifies their commitment to bring to light the often overshadowed world of stunt performers and body doubles, and the challenges they face.

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As we all wait for this documentary, the tale of Radcliffe and Holmes underscores the fact that true friendships, even in the fleeting world of Hollywood, can withstand the harshest of trials.